SCH004.LESSON

UNITY IN CHRIST—LESSONS FROM THE LORD'S SUPPER

SENIOR DIVISION, No. 234, FOURTH QUARTER, 1953

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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

UNITY IN CHRIST

Lessons From the Lord's Supper

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

This series of lessons on the Lord's Sup-

per is full of meaning for the church today.

The Lord's messenger, writing on the life

of Christ many years ago, said: "Each sep-

arate event was an important chapter in the

working out of the redemption of the

world."—Review

and Herald,

June 18,

1895.

The Last Supper was one of the most sol-

emn and meaningful events in the whole life

of Christ on earth. It demonstrated His en-

during, redeeming love ; it revealed the

human heart in all its darkness, weakness,

and need. The event was to be a perpetual

memorial of the life, death, resurrection, and

return of our blessed Lord. This sacred

Communion was to keep the church of God

cleansed from sin, humble in spirit, devoted

in service; and it forever precluded any kind

of lordship other than that of the one Lord

and Master, Jesus Christ.

It is impossible to exhaust the spiritual

lessons of the Lord's Supper. A great bless-

ing will come to the church as she gathers

round the table where exclusiveness is for-

bidden, sin is forgiven, and where, above

all, Jesus is exalted to the kingship of our

hearts.

Lesson 1, for October 3,1953

The Lord's Supper—Its Setting and Significance

MEMORY VERSE:

"The Cup of blessing which we bless, is it not, the communion

of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion

of the body of Christ?" 1 Cor. 10:16.

STUDY HELP:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 652-661.

AIM:

To review the historical background of the Lord's Supper and to emphasize

the significance of this ordinance.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: general survey 5. Questions 11, 12; read "The Desire

of Ages," pp. 652-654.

Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 655-

661; review first section of les-

son.

Review last two sections of lesson;

read and think about the Sug-

4. Questions 8-10.



gestions for Meditation.

[31

of the lesson, based on outline.

Key Words; Introduction. Questions

1-4.

Questions 5-7; memorize 1 Cor.

10:16.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Background Events

Passover season. Luke 22 : 7.

Peter and John sent to prepare.

Luke 22:8.

Christ's sense of impending suffer-

ing. Luke 22:15.

The Passover in the Old Testament.

The lamb. Ex. 12:3.

The blood. Ex. 12:7.

The flesh, unleavened bread,

and bitter herbs. Ex. 12:8.

III. The Preparatory Service

Jesus washes the disciples' feet. John

13:4-12.

Jesus enjoins them to follow His ex-

ample. John 13 : 14-16.

Results of following His example.

John 13:17.

IV. The Lord's Supper and Its Signifi-

cance

1. Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper.

Matt. 26 : 26-28.

The

apostle Paul explains the sig-

nificance of the Lord's Supper.

1 Cor. 11:23-26.

The cross, the glory of the Christian.

Gal. 6:14.

Key Words:



1. Passover.

The word "Passover" has

its origin in the

experience of the children of

Israel in Egypt when the angel of the Lord

passed over the homes on whose doorposts

the blood had been sprinkled.

timbal. The word comes from two

Greek words meaning "with" and "throw,"

or 'put together." A symbol is something

thrown in to make plain or add meaning to

that which'it- represents. The Passover, foot

washing, and'the Lord's Supper are symbols.

3. Emblem.

This word has almost the

same

meaning as "symbol." It comes from

the, two Greek words meaning "in" and

"throw." The bread and wine are emblems.

Emblems or symbols are aids to the under-

standing of spiritual truth.

THE LESSON

Introduction

It is alwayi good to ask

why

we should

study any theme. Even after we begin

studying it, we should keep asking why;

particularly if it concerns the life and min-

istry of Jesus. The study of Christ's life

will emphasize our need of holiness. All

holiness is preceded by knowledge.'

Every detail iq,,,the life.gif, Jesus is im-

portant. "Each separate event [in the life

of Christ] was an important chapter in the

working out of the redemption of the

world."-Ellen G. White, in

Review and

Herald,

June 18, 1895.

"It will tib you good . .. to frequently re-

view the closing scenes in the life of our Re-

deemer. Here . . . we may all learn lessons

of the utmost importance to us. It would

be well to spend a thoughtful hour each

day revieving

the life of Christ. . . . We

should take it point by point and let the

imagination vividly grasp each scene, es-

pecially the closing ones of His earthly life."

-Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 374.

Background Events

Whom did Jesus send to pre-

pare the Passover? How did they find

the place? Luke 22:7-13.

How did Jesus'feel about 'eating

this 'particular Passover? Luke '22:15.

Nort."The 'Passover sUripeitliad- been

scenes of special interest; but upim this oc-

casion Jesus was troubled. ,His heart was

butdened, and a shadow rested upon HiS

countenance. As He met the disciples in the

upper chamber, they perceived that -some-

thing weighed heavily upon His mind, and

although they knew not its cause, they sym

pathized with His grief."--:--The

Diiire of

Ages,

page 642.

[ 4 ]

What was the main symbol of

the Passover? Ex. 12:3, 7, 11.

What other symbols were used

at the Passover? Ex. 12:8.

NOTE. —Wine was also used. Of the Pass-

over it was said, "Four cups of wine handed

round in succession were drunk at the pas-

chal meal."—A. R. Fausset,

Bible Cyclope-

dia,

art. "Passover."

"Christ is still at the table on which the

paschal supper has been spread. The un-

leavened cakes used at the Passover season

are before Him. The Passover wine, un-

touched by fermentation, is on the table.

These emblems Christ employs to represent

His own unblemished sacrifice. Nothing cor-

rupted by fermentation, the symbol of sin

and death, could represent the 'Lamb with-

out blemish and without spot.' 1 Peter 1:19."

—The Desire of Ages,

page 653.

The Preparatory Service

How did Jesus make ready to

wash the disciples' feet, and how did

He proceed? John 13:4-12.

What did Jesus say the disciples

should do, and why? (John 13:14-16:

NOTE.—"Now, having washed the dis-

ciples' feet, He said, 'I have given you an

example, that ye should do as I have done

to you.' In these words Christ wasimot

merely enjoining the practice of hospitality.

More was meant than the washing of the

feet of guests to remove the dust of travel.

Christ was here instituting a religious serv-

ice. By the act of our Lord this humiliating

ceremony was made a consecrated ordi-

nance. It was to be observed by the disciples,

that they might ever keep in mind His les-

sons of humility and service."—The

Desire

of Ages,

page 650.

What would be the result of

following His example? John 13:17.

The Lord's Supper and

Its Significance

What emblems did Jesus use in

instituting the Lord's Supper? What

did these emblems represent? Matt.

26:26-28.

How was this service closed?

Mark 14:26.

NOTE:—"Before leaving the upper cham-

ber, the Saviour led His disciples in a song

of praise. His voice was heard, not in the

strains of some mournful lament, but in the

joyful notes of the Passover hallel:

'0 praise the Lord, all ye nations:

Praise Him, all ye people.

For His merciful kindness is great toward

us:

And the truth of the Lord endureth forever.

Praise ye the Lord.' Psalm 117."

—The Desire of Ages,

page 672.

10.

How was the significance of

the Lord's Supper expressed by the

apostle Paul? 1 Cor. 11:23-26.

11.

Of what- are the emblems of

the Lord's Supper to remind us? For

how long is this service to be ob-

served? 1 Cor. 11:25 (last part), 26.

NOTE:-"The ordinance of the Lord's

Supper was given to commemorate the great

deliverance wrought out as the result of the

death of Christ. Till He shall come the sec-

ond time in power and glory, this ordinance

is to be celebrated. It is the means by which

His great work for us is to be kept fresh in

our minds."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 652,

653.

12.

In what only did the apostle

Paul wish to glory, and why? Gal.

6:14.

NOTE:—"Looking upon the crucified Re-

deemer, we more fully comprehend the mag-

nitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by

the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salva-

tion is glorified before us, and the thought

of, Calvary awakens living and sacred emo-

tions in our hearts. Praise to God and the

Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips;

for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in

the soul that keeps fresh in memory the

scenes of Calvary.

"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless

love will be elevated in thought, purified in

heart, transformed in character. He will go

forth to be a light to the world, to reflect

in some degree this mysterious love. The

more we contemplate the cross of Christ,

the more fully shall we adopt the language

of the apostle when he said, 'God forbid that

I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord

Jesus Christ, by whom the world is cruci-

fied unto me, and I unto the world.' Gal.

14."—The Desire of Ages,

page 661.

Suggestions for Meditation

There was a definite relation of the

Passover to the Lord's Supper. The Passover

had the lamb and the unleavened bread.

See Exodus 12:5-8. There was wine also.

While the Pentateuch does not mention it

in connection with the Passover, yet the

Talmud mentions it, and the Mishna "strictly

enjoins" that it be present. See

Smith's Bible

Dictionary,

art. "Passover." Exodus 25:29

mentions spoons and bowls. Exodus 37:16

and Numbers 4:7 mention, as part of the

dishes on the table of shewbread, bowls to

cover (the margin says "to pour with").

Numbers 28:7 mentions wine as a drink of-

fering to be in the holy place, or first apart-

thent. Therefore it is apparent that wine

was used in the sanctuary service. Here in

the first apartment were symbols—the sym-

bol of Christ's life in the wine, of the light

of His word in the candlesticks, and of His

promises in the shewbread. Both the Pass-

over and the Lord's Supper had unleavened

bread and wine. Here are some relationships

worthy of meditation.

"The broken bread and pure juice of the

grape are to represent the broken body and

spilled blood of the Son of God. Bread that

is leavened must not come on the Com-

munion table. The unleavened bread is the

only correct representation of the Lord's

Supper. Nothing fermented is to be used—

only the pure fruit of the vine and un-

leavened bread are to be used."—Ellen G.

White, in

Review and Herald,

June 22,

1897.

The Passover was

"holy convoca-

tion" (Ex. 12:11-16), and called for a prep-

aration. The Lord's Supper also calls for a

preparation—the washing of feet.

A teacher's edition of the

Senior Quarterly,

which contains

blank page for each printed page, will be available beginning

with the first quarter of 1954. Copies of the first issue will be in

print November 1, 1953.

[

]

Lesion 2, for October 10, 1953

The Lord's Supper and Life

MEMORY VERSE:

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he

that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever

liveth and believeth in Me shall never die." John 11:25, 26.

STUDY HELP:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 524-536.

AIM:

To show that although the observance of the Lord's Supper commemorates



Christ's death, it also points forward to the second advent and life beyond

the grave.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: general survey



4. Questions 5-8.

of the lesson, based on outline.



5. Questions 9-12.

Key

Words; Introduction. Questions



6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 524-

1, 2.



536.

Questions 3, 4; memorize John 11:



7. Review entire lesson; think about

25, 26.



Suggestions for Meditation.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Christ the Giver of Life

The origin of life. John 5:26; 1

John 5:12.

The claims of Jesus. John 11:25.

The proof of His claims. John 11:

43, 44.

III. Emblems of the Life-Giver

The blood of the lamb saved life.

Ex. 12:7, 13.

Jesus was the Lamb of God. John

1:29.

Believers triumph by the blood of

the Lamb. Rev. 12:11.

IV. The Lord's Supper and the Resur-

rection

The celebration foreshadowed the

second advent. 1 Cor. 11:26.

The second advent requires a res-

urrection. 1 Thess. 4:14, 16.

Deliverance from death is by "the

blood of the everlasting cove-

nant." Heb. 13:20.

Key Words:

"Covenant."

The Greek word

sun-

theke,

covenant, compact, or treatY

be-

tween individuals or states, which is very

common in profane Greek, is not found in

the New Testament inasmuch as it connotes

a compact between equals. The word used

under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to

denote the covenant between God and man

diatheke,

which differs from the preced-

ing word in that its essential reference is

relationship established on one side only,

or between unequals. This relationship, is

established by God between Himself and

Hit, people, consisting of both ordinances

and the pledge of promises.

"Resurrection"

is an English transla-

tion of a Latin word that means "to resurge"

or "to rise again." This gives added signifi-

cance to the vision of Stephen when he saw

"Jesus standing on the right hand of God."

Acts 7:55.

"Testament"

means "contract, a

will, or a covenant." Christ's blood was the

seal of the new covenant, or new contract.

]

THE LESSON

Introduction

In Christ only is there life. That life is

symbolized by His blood, which in turn is

represented by the wine. We show forth

the Lord's death by celebrating the Lord's

Supper. His life was made effectual for us

because of His death; therefore the Lord's

Supper represents His life which culmi-

nated in His death for us.

Life in Christ

What does Christ possess within

Himself? John 5:26.

In seeking to comfort the sor-

rowing Martha, what did Jesus de-

clare Himself to be? John 11:23-25.

NOTE.—"With human and divine pity

Jesus looked into her sorrowful, careworn

face. Martha had no inclination to recount

the past; all was expressed by the pathetic

words, 'Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my

brother had not died.' But looking into that

face of love, she added, 'I know, that even

now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God,

God will give it Thee.'

"Jesus encouraged her faith, saying, 'Thy

brother shall rise again.' His answer was not

intended to inspire hope of an immediate

change. He carried Martha's thoughts be-

yond the present restoration of her brother,

and fixed them upon the resurrection of the

just. This He did that she might see in the

resurrection of Lazarus a pledge of the

resurrection of all the righteous dead, and

an assurance that it would be accomplished

by the Saviour's power."—The

Desire of

Ages,

pages 529, 530.

By what miracle did Jesus prove

that He was the resurrection and the

life? John 11:43, 44.

NOTE.—"Still seeking to give a true di-

rection to her faith, Jesus declared, 'I am

the resurrection, and the life.' In Christ is

life, original; unborrowed, underived. 'He

that hath the Son hath life.' 1 John 5:12.

The divinity of Christ is the believer's as-

surance of eternal life. 'He that believeth in

Me,' said Jesus, 'though he were dead, yet

shall he live: and whosoever liveth and be-

lieveth in Me shall never die. Believest thou

this?' Christ here looks forward to the time

of His second coming. Then the righteous

dead shall be raised incorruptible, and the

living righteous shall be translated to heaven

without seeing death. The miracle which

Christ was about to perform, in raising

Lazarus from the dead, would represent the

resurrection of all the righteous dead. By

His word and His works He declared Him-

self the Author of the resurrection. He who

Himself was soon to die upon the cross

stood with the keys of death, a conqueror

of the grave, and asserted His right and

power to give eternal life."—The

Desire of

Ages,

page 530.

How, then, may we be assured

of eternal life? 1 John 5:12.

The Life of Christ Symbolized

How was the blood of the first

Passover lamb used? Ex. 12:7, 13.

What did John declare Jesus to

be? John 1:29.

NOTE.—"In Jesus, as shown in types, as

shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the

revelation of the prophets, as unveiled in

the lessons given to His disciples, and in

the miracles wrought for the sons of men,

they have beheld 'the Lamb of God, which

taketh away the sin of the world,' and

through Him they are brought within the

fold of His grace."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 477.

What statement of John indi-

cates the importance of Christ's shed

[ 8

11. When Jesus gave the cup to

the disciples, what did He say it sym-

bolized? Mark 14:24.

THE LORD'S SUPPER POINTS FORWARD

TO CHRIST'S SECOND ADVENT.

blood in individual victory over sin?

Rev. 12:11.

What is the blood declared to

be? Gen. 9:4.

The Lord's Supper a Promise

of Life to Come

How long was the observance

of the Lord's Supper to show Jesus'

death? 1 Cor. 11:26.

NOTE.—The expression "till He come"

indicates that He will come. The emblems

of the Lord's Supper are meaningless unless

Jesus lived after His death and is still liv-

ing. Although these emblems typify His

death, they are also bound up inseparably

with His life.

10. 'What does the apostle Paul

call the blood of Jesus? Heb. 13:20,

21.

NOTE.—In many Bibles the marginal

reading for "covenant" is "testament."

12. What solemn pledge did Jesus

make regarding the fruit of the vine?

Mark 14:25.

Suggestions for Meditation

Jesus' death and life is our salvation.

"For if when we were enemies, we were

reconciled to God by the death of His Son,

much more, being reconciled, we shall be

saved by His life." Rom. 5:10.

As we partake of the emblems of the

Lord's Supper, do we long for the life to

come when •we personally shall share the

Saviour's promise? See Rev. 22:20.

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Lesson 3, for October 17, 1953

Who Shall Be the Greatest

MEMORY VERSE:

"Thou host also given me the shield of Thy salvation: and Thy

right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath made me great."

Ps. 18:35.

STUDY HELP:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 432-442.

AIM:

To study true greatness, evaluate it, and discover how to attain unto it.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey



4. Questions 8-10; memorize Ps. 18:35.

of the lesson, based on outline.



5. Questions 11-14.

Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 432-

442.

Review entire lesson; think about

3. Questions 4-7.



Suggestions for Meditation.

2. Key Words; Introduction. Questions

1-3.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Jesus' Teaching on True Greatness

The disciples' unworthy ambitions.

Mark 9:34.

Christ's teaching on true greatness.

Mark 9:35.

Christ's teaching in practice. Matt.

20:28; John 13:4, 5, 14.

III. Greatness, Humility, and Honor

God and earthly greatness. Isa. 10:

33, last part; Matt. 23:12.

God and the humble in heart. 1 Pe-

ter .5:5, 6.

The way of true honor. Rom. 2:7.

IV. Examples of Unselfishness

The secret of Moses' greatness. Ex.

32:31, 32.

Paul's readiness for self-sacrifice.

Rom. 9:3.

David's confession and magnanim-

ity. 2 Sam. 24:17.

Mordecai's concern for his people.

Esther 10:3.

John's self-abnegation. John 3:30.

Jesus the supreme example of self-

abasement. Phil. 2:5-8.

Key Words:

Exalt

is from

(out) and

altus

(high), which means "to take out from its

surroundings and raise in altitude."

Gentleness

means "wellborn, mild,

docile, or soothing." In 2 Corinthians 10:1

the Greek word for "gentleness" means

"mildness, suitableness, appropriateness;"

and in Galatians 5:22 it has the flavor of

"usefulness and kindness."

Honor

means "esteem paid to worth,"

or "that which rightfully attracts respect."

In Romans 12:10 the Greek for "honor"

means "esteem" or "value."

Humble

comes from humus

(ground) ; therefore one who is humble is

on the ground. In both the Hebrew and

Greek the words translated into "humble"

mean "lowly in disposition," or "humility

of mind."

Pride

means "inordinate self-esteem."

The Greek word translated

pride in

1 Tim-

othy 3:6 means "enveloped with smoke;

pompousness, haughtiness, or inflated with

self-conceit."

Selfishness

hardly needs defining,

but the following quotation will clarify our

thinking on the subject.

"Self-idolatry, . . . lies at the foundation

of all

sin."-Gospel Workers,

page 114.

THE LESSON

Introduction

Whether it be nations, states, churches,

groups, families, or individuals, the usual

question is, "Who shall be the greatest ?"

Jesus wants men to learn that greatness de-

pends upon the willingness to serve.

Jesus Discusses Greatness

With what discerning question

to His disciples did Jesus open the

subject of greatness prior to the in-

stitution of the Lord's Supper? Mark

9:33, 34.

NOTE.—"When the disciples entered the

supper room, their hearts were full of re-

sentful feelings. Judas pressed next to Christ

on the left side; John was on the right. If

there was a highest place, Judas was de-

termined to have it, and that place was

thought to be next to Christ. And Judas

was a traitor. . . .

"How was Christ to bring these poor

souls where Satan would not gain over

them a decided victory? How could He

show that a mere profession of discipleship

did not make them disciples, or ensure them

a place in His kingdom? How could He

show that it is loving service, true humility,

which constitutes real greatness? How was

He to kindle love in their hearts, and en-

able them to comprehend what He longed to

tell them

?"—The Desire of Ages,

page 644.

What did Christ teach about

greatness? What effective illustration

did He employ? Mark 9:35-37; Matt.

18:2-4; 20:26, 27.

NoTE.—"Again Jesus explained to the

disciples that His kingdom is not character-

ized by earthly dignity and display. At the

feet of Jesus all these distinctions are for-

gotten. The rich and the poor, the learned

and the ignorant, meet together, with no

thought of caste or worldly pre-eminence.

All meet as blood-bought souls, alike de-

pendent upon One who has redeemed them

to God."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 437.

" 'You see this child,' said He; 'I tell you

solemnly, that, unless you abandon your

present worldly ideas and ambitious

thoughts, and become as simple and humble

as it, and as lovingly dependent on God as it

is on man, you shall not even enter My king-

dom, far less hold a high place in it. You see

how this child has no thought but of per-

fect loving trust towards Me; how it does

not pretend to give the worth of what it

receives, but opens its whole soul to Me

with artless innocence. Such sweet humility

must be found in him who would seek to

be greatest in My new kingdom. To have

the heart of a child is a fixed abiding con-

dition of admission, of accepted service, or

of honor. This child is willing to be the

least of you all, and to serve you all, and,

as I have said, whoever of you is like it in

this, is the greatest among you. Your am-

bition must guide itself by this rule. Your

strife shows that you have not yet rightly

grasped the true nature of My kingdom. It

has no external dignities of power and rank,

for it is a reign of principles, not a worldly

dominion. All its members are therefore,

brethren, on a footing of perfect equality.

. . . The honors of My kingdom are won

only by spiritual likeness to Myself, your

example and Master. Self-denial, self-sac-

rifice; the surrender of person and goods for

the sake of the brotherhood; unselfish love

—

are the only path to the highest place.' "

—

Cunningham Geikie,

The Life and Words

of Christ,

page 572.

What statement did Jesus make

concerning His mission? How did

He exemplify this at the supper in

the upper room? Matt. 20:28; John

13:4, 5, 14.

God's Estimate of True Greatness

Whom does God exalt, and

whom does He humble? Isa. 10:33;

Matt 23:12; 1 Peter 5:6.

What precedes a fall? How is

this illustrated in the experience of

Lucifer? Prov. 15:33; 16:18; Isa. 14:

12-15.

NoTE.—"When men exalt themselves,

feeling that they are a necessity for the

success of God's great plan, the Lord causes

them to be set aside. It is made evident that

the Lord is not dependent upon them."—

The Desire of Ages,

page 436.

"The strife for the highest place was the

outworking of that same spirit which was

the beginning of the great controversy in

the worlds above, and. which had brought

Christ from heaven to

die."—Ibid.,

p. 435.

To whom does God give grace,

and with whom does He dwell? 1

Peter 5:5, 6; James 4:6; Isa. 57:15.

NOTE.—"The proud heart strives to earn

salvation; but both our title to heaven and

our fitness for it are found in the righteous-

ness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing

toward the recovery of man until, con-

vinced of his own weakness, and stripped of

all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the

control of God. Then he can receive the

gift that God is waiting to bestow. From

the soul that feels his need, nothing is with-

held. He has unrestricted access to Him

whom all fullness

dwells."—The Desire of

Ages,

page 300.

In what is the Christian ex-

horted to seek to continue? Rom. 2:7.

Examples of Great Unselfishness

How did Moses, in talking with

God, show his love and unselfishness

toward the people he had led from

Egypt? Ex. 32:31, 32.

How does Paul's experience

compare with that of Moses? Rom.

9:1-3. Compare Ex. 32:32.

10.

What was David's attitude to-

ward his own people

and toward

those who had witnessed against

him? 2 Sam. 24:17; Ps. 35:11-13.

11.

What spirit of greatness did

Mordecai manifest toward his peo-

ple? Esther 9:4; 10:3, last two phrases.

12.

How did John the Baptist re-

veal true greatness in speaking of

Jesus? John 3:30.

NoTE.—"John the.Baptist, at his appear-

ance as the Messiah's herald, stirred the na-

tion. From place to place his steps were fol-

lowed by vast throngs of people of every

rank and station. But when the One came

to whom he had borne witness, all was

changed. The crowds followed Jesus, and

John's work seemed fast closing. Yet there

was no wavering of his faith. 'He must in-

crease,' he said, 'but I must decrease.'

"—

Education,

page 157.

13.

What example of humility does

the 'apostle Paul admonish us to fol-

low? Phil. 2:5-8.

14.

Whom did Jesus honor, and

whose glory did He seek? What esti-

mate did He place on self-honor?

John 8:49, 50, 54.

NOTE.-" seek not Mine own glory,'

but the glory of Him that sent Me. In these

words is set forth the great principle which

is the law of life for the universe. All things

Christ received from God, but He took to

give. So in the heavenly courts, in His min-

istry for all created beings: through the be-

loved Son, the Father's life flows out to

all; through the Son it returns, in praise

and joyous service, a tide of love, to the

great Source of all. And thus through

Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete,

representing the character of the great

Giver, the law of life."—The

Desire of

Ages,

page 21.

"The whole life of Christ had been a life

of unselfish service. . . . He did not think

of Himself."—Ibid., pp. 642, 643.

Suggestions for Meditation

"In the estimation of heaven, great-

ness of character consists in living for the

welfare of our fellow men, in doing works

of love and mercy."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 613.

"The only greatness is the greatness of

humility. The only distinction is found in

devotion to the service of others."—Ibid.,

p. 650.

"Those who have had the deepest ex-

perience in the things of God are the far-

thest removed from pride or self-exalta-

tion."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 223.

Lesson 4, for October 24, 1953

The Preparatory Service

MEMORY VERSE:

"Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If

I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash

one another's feet." John 13:13, 14.

STUDY HELP:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 642-651.

AIM:

To learn anew lessons of love and humility from the ordinance of foot

washing.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: general survey

of the lesson, based on outline.

Key Words; Introduction. Questions

1-4.

Questions 5-7.

Questions 8-10; memorize John 13:

13, 14.

Questions 11-14.

Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 642-

651.

Review entire lesson; think about

Suggestions for Meditation.

[ 13]

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

II.

Love and Humility in Action

Jesus knew His end was near. John

13:1, first part.

He loved unto the end. John 13:1,

last part.

He served in humility unto the end.

John 13:4, 5.

Ill. The Master's Treatment of Judas

He knew the traitor, but did not

shame him publicly. John 13:11.

He warned Judas and gave him time

to repent. John 13:18, 19.

He indirectly revealed Judas to the

eleven. John 13:26.

IV. The Master's Method With Peter

He revealed Peter's proud heart.

John 13:6,.8.

He drew forth Peter's love of

Christ. John 13:9.

He explained the symbolic meaning

of foot washing. John 13:10.

V. The Spiritual Meaning of Foot Wash-

ing

It unites believers with their Lord.

John 13:8, second part.

It promotes humility and equality.

before God. John 13:14-16.

It encourages peace and happiness

among the believers. John 13:.17.

Key Words:

Happy

comes from the word

hap

and means "favored by luck or fortune."

However, a Christian learns happiness as

Paul learned contentment. See Philippians

4:11. The Greek word translated "happy"

in John 13:17 is the identical word trans-

lated "blessed" in the Beatitudes. The

Greek word translated

happy

and

blessed

in the places mentioned has in its meaning

a flavor indicating "divine good will."

The towel

with which Jesus girded

Himself had a special significance. Peter, re-

viewing the experience of having Jesus wash

His feet, wrote 1 Peter 5:5. The King James

Version reads: "Be clothed with humility,"

while Moffatt translates it, "Put on the

apron of humility to serve one another."

"The Greek word for 'the towel,' with

which our Lord girded Himself, occurs also

in rabbinic writings .to denote the towel

used in washing and at baths

(Luntith

and

Aluntith).

Such girding was the common

mark of a slave, by whom the service of

foot washing was ordinarily performed."

—Alfred Edersheim,

"The, Life and Times

of Jesus the Messiah,

new American ed.,

vol. 2, pp. 501, 502.

THE LESSON

Introduction

When we have gathered around the

Lord's table, there should be thanksgiving

and praise. The preparatory service of

foot washing is the time to clear away the

problems of sin and alienation. Sadness

should not be carried over, nor should a

spirit of judging have any place around the

Lord's table.

"As the Lord's disciples gather about His

table, they are not to remember and la-

ment their shortcomings. They are not to

dwell upon their past religious experience,

whether that experience has been elevating

or depressing. They are not to recall the

differences between them and their breth-

ren. The preparatory service has embraced

all this. The self-examination, the confes-

sion of sin, the reconciling of differences,

has all been done. Now they come to meet

with Christ. They are not to stand in the

shadow of the cross, but in its saving light.

They are to open the soul to the bright

beams of the Sun of Righteousness. With

hearts cleansed by Christ's most precious

blood, in full consciousness of His presence,

although unseen, they are to hear His

words, 'Peace I leave with you, My peace

I give

unto you: not as the world giveth,

give

unto you.'

"—The Desire of Ages,

page 659.

Love and Humility in Action

1. Knowing that His earthly min-

istry was about finished, what was

Jesus' attitude toward His disciples?

John 13:1.

[ 14 ]

What act of loving service did

Jesus begin to perform? John 13:5.

What three things were fore-

known by Jesus? John 13:3.

NOTE.—Jesus, knowing from whence He

came, the glory He left, and the future glory

that was to be His, still was willing to

serve in the capacity of a servant.

What preparation did Jesus

make for washing the disciples' feet?

John 13:4, 5.

NOTE.—"The disciples made no move

toward serving one another. Jesus waited

for a time to see what they would do. Then

He, the divine Teacher, rose from the table.

Laying aside the outer garment that would

have impeded His movements, He took a

towel, and girded Himself. With surprised

interest the disciples looked on, and in

silence waited to see what was to follow.

`After that He poureth water into a basin,

and began to wash the disciples' feet, and

to wipe them with the towel wherewith He

was girded.' This action opened the eyes

of the disciples. Bitter shame and humilia-

tion filled their hearts. They understood the

unspoken rebuke, and saw themselves in

altogether a new light."—The

Desire of

Ages,

page 644.

The Master's Treatment of Judas

Though Jesus knew that Judas

would betray Him, why did He not

expose him at once? John 13:10, 11.

NOTE.—"Jesus alone could read his se-

cret. Yet He did not expose him. Jesus hun-

gered for his soul. He felt for him such a

burden as for Jerusalem when He wept over

the doomed city. His heart was crying, How

can I give thee up? The constraining power

of that love was felt by Judas. When the

Saviour's hands were bathing those soiled

ARE YOU READY TO BE

A SERVANT TO OTHERS?

feet, and wiping them with the towel, the

heart of Judas thrilled through and through

with the impulse then and there to confess

his sin. But he would not humble himself."

—The Desire of Ages,

page 645.

Why did Jesus expose Judas

after He washed his feet? John 13:

18, 19.

NoTE.—"Christ's example forbids ex-

clusiveness at the Lord's Supper. It is true

that open sin excludes the guilty. This the

Holy Spirit plainly teaches. But beyond

this none are to pass judgment. God has not

left it with men to say who shall present

themselves on these occasions. For who can

read the heart? Who can distinguish the

tares from the wheat? 'Let a man examine

himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and

drink of that cup.'

"—The Desire of Ages,

page 656.

What explanation is given for

Judas's betrayal of Jesus? What did

Jesus say to him? John 13:26, 27.

The Master's Method With Peter

How did Peter feel about hav-

ing Jesus wash his feet? What did

Jesus say? John 13:6-8.

15]

What was Peter's second sugges-

tion? Verse 9.

10.

What meaningful reply did

Jesus make? Verse 10.

The Spiritual Meaning of

Foot Washing

11.

What were some of the reasons

why Jesus enjoined the disciples to

observe the ordinance of foot wash-

ing? John 13:8, 14-16.

NOTE.—"This ordinance is Christ's ap-

pointed preparation for the sacramental

service. While pride, variance, and strife

for supremacy are cherished, the heart can-

not enter into fellowship with Christ. We

are not prepared to receive the communion

of His body and His blood. Therefore it

was that Jesus appointed the memorial of

His humiliation to be first observed."—

The Desire of Ages,

page 650.

12.

What will be the result of in-

telligently following the Lord's ex-

ample? John 13:17.

13.

What new commandment did

Christ give His disciples? John 13:34.

14.

By what were Christ's disciples

to be characterized? John 13:35.

Suggestions for Meditation

Jesus said, "If I wash thee not, thou

hast no part with Me." John 13:8. This will

bear study. We must receive as well as

give. "It is not humiliating to the Master

to allow Him to work for our purification.

The truest humility is to receive with thank-

ful heart any provision made in our behalf,

and with earnestness do service for Christ."

—The Desire of Ages,

page 646.

Do we realize that we, like Peter, need

Christ's cleansing grace? "Like Peter and

his brethren, we too have been washed in

the blood of Christ, yet often through con-

tact with evil the heart's purity is soiled.

We must come to Christ for His cleansing

grace. Peter shrank from bringing his soiled

feet in contact with the hands of his Lord

and Master; but how often we bring our

sinful, polluted heart in contact with the

heart of Christ ! How grievous to Him is

our evil temper, our vanity and pride ! Yet

all our infirmity and defilement we must

bring to Him. He alone can wash us clean.

We are not prepared for communion with

Him unless cleansed by His efficacy."—

Ibid.,

pages 646, 647.

Lesson 5, for October 31, 1953

Relation of Foot Washing to Baptism

MEMORY VERSE:

"Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to

wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all."

John 13:10.

STUDY HELP:

"Testimonies," vol. 6, pp. 91-99.

AIM:

To discover the similarities, the contrasts, and relationships between foot

washing and baptism.

[16]

IIAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: general survey



of the lesson, based on outline.



Key Words; Introduction. Questions

1-3.



Questions 4-7.

A. Questions 8, 9; memorize John 13:

10.

Questions 10-13.

Read "Testimonies," vol. 6, pp. 91-

99.

Review entire lesson; think about

Suggestions for Meditation.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

II.

Baptism

Repentance precedes baptism.

Acts 2:38.

Baptism symbolizes burial with

Christ and resurrection to new

life. Rom. 6:3-5.

Rebaptism to be administered un-

der certain circumstances. Acts 19:

1-5.

111.

Symbolic Cleansings

Water is the symbol of cleansing in

baptism and foot washing. Acts

10:47; John 13:5.

Water symbolizes the cleansing

word of God. Eph. 5:26.

Baptism admits to church fellow-

ship. Acts 2:41, 47.

4.Provision is made for renewed

cleansing. John 13:10.

IV. Conditions of Cleansing

Belief is necessary for cleansing.

Acts 8:36, 37.

Judas failed to receive cleansing.

John 13:10,

11, 21.

Sense of need is a condition of spir-

itual cleansing. Luke 18:13, 14;

Titus 3:5.

Receiving the word prepares one for

baptism and foot washing. Acts

2:41.

V. Past and Future of Ordinances

Ordinances prefigured in Old Tes-

tament. Ex. 30:17-21; 1 Cor. 10:4.

Fellowship to be renewed in the

kingdom. Matt. 26:29; Luke

12:37.

Key Words:

Baptism

is transliterated from the

Greek and means "to immerse, to sub-

merge."



Rebaptism

was administered some- '

times when persons received a new truth.

See Acts 19:1-5.

The backslider who has turned his face

from God and wishes to come back should

be rebaptized; but when one has made

merely a mistake or his feet have become

dusty in the path of life, he need not neces-

sarily be rebaptized, for foot washing is

then sufficient.

Believe

means to have faith or con-

fidence in a thing or hold a given tenet as

true. Belief is in the heart. See Romans 10:

9, 10. "Believe" includes surrender and com-

mitment as well as confidence and intellec-

tual assent.

THE LESSON

Introduction

Both baptism and foot washing are sym-

bolic of spiritual cleansing. If one is cleansed,

he gladly participates in these symbolically

cleansing ceremonies, but he may partici-

pate without being cleansed. There is a

depth of meaning in baptism and in foot

washing, and a relationship between the

two ceremonies that could be studied with

profit. Baptism occurs once, early in the

believer's Christian life, while foot wash-

ing is a recurring experience of the baptized

Christian. The recurring experience of foot

washing should bring an ever-deepening

spiritual significance to the Christian be-

liever.

[

17]

Baptism

What should precede baptism?

Why does one receive baptism and

what should follow it? Acts 2:38.

Into what are believers bap-

tized, and how is baptism adminis-

tered? Rom. 6:3-5. Compare Acts

8:38.

Under what circumstance did

the apostle Paul rebaptize certain

Ephesians? Acts 19:1-5.

NOTE.—"When they received baptism at

the hand of John, they did not fully com-

prehend the mission of Jesus as the Sin

Bearer. They were holding serious errors.

But with clearer light, they gladly accepted

Christ as their Redeemer, and with this

step of advance came a change in their ob-

ligations. As they received a purer faith,

there was

corresponding change in their

life. In token of this change, and as an ac-

knowledgment of their faith in Christ,

they were rebaptized in the name of Jesus."

—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 285.

Symbolic Cleansings

What is used as the symbolic

cleansing agent in both baptism and

foot washing? Acts 10:47; John 13:5.

Of what sanctifying power are

baptism and the washing of feet

symbolic? Eph. 5:25, 26; John 17:17.

When cleansed by baptism, to

what are the candidates added? Acts

2:41, 47.

When one is cleansed, what

TWO SYMBOLS OF THE WATER OF

LIFE THAT CLEANSES FROM SIN.

only is still in need of washing?

John 13:10.

Nors.—It is profitable to compare bap-

tism and foot washing. Both use water. The

participation is voluntary in both. Belief is

a prerequisite in either case, and both are

administered by human hands.

Some differences are: Baptism is near the

beginning

of the new life, while foot wash-

ing is a recurring experience

the new life.

Baptism is meant to be efficacious by one

celebration, while foot washing is con-

nected with a blessing in its oft-repeated

experience. Baptism is administered by or-

dained hands only, while foot washing is

administered by anyone who feels it a priv-

ilege to serve his fellows. Baptism prepares

one to enter the church ; but foot washing

prepares the members, by recleansing, to

partake of the Lord's Supper.

The Conditions of Cleansing

What requirement did Philip

set before the eunuch as necessary for

baptism? Acts 8:36, 37.

Who among the disciples failed

to receive the spiritual cleansing, and

why? John 13:10, 11, 21, 27.

[ 18 ]

NOTE.—"Judas was now offended at

Christ's act in washing the feet of His dis-

ciples. If Jesus could so humble Himself, he

thought, He could not be Israel's king. All

hope of worldly honor in a temporal king-

dom was destroyed. Judas was satisfied that

there was nothing to be gained by following

Christ. After seeing Him degrade Himself,

as he thought, he was confirmed in his pur-

pose to disown Him, and confess himself de-

ceived. He was possessed by a demon, and

he resolved to complete the work he had

agreed to do in betraying his Lord."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 645.

10.

What attitude enables one to

receive spiritual cleansing? Luke 18:

13, 14; Titus 3:5.

NOTE.—"It is thus that every sinner may

come to Christ. 'Not by works of righteous-

ness which we have done, but according to

His mercy He saved us.' Titus 3:5. When

Satan tells you that you are a sinner, and

cannot hope to receive blessing from God,

tell him that Christ came into the world to

save sinners. We have nothing to recom-

mend us to God; but the plea that we may

urge now and ever is our utterly helpless

condition that makes His redeeming power

a necessity. Renouncing all self-dependence,

we may look to the cross of Calvary and

say,—

'In my hand no price I bring;

Simply to Thy cross I cling.'"

—The Desire of Ages,

page 317.

11.

When men received the word,

what followed? Acts 2:41.

Past and Future of the Ordinances

12.

In what way were the ordi-

nances of baptism and foot washing

prefigured in the Old Testament?

1 Cor. 10:1-4; Ex. 30:17-21.

13.

How will the fellowship of the

ordinances be renewed in the king-

dom? Matt. 26:29; Luke 12: 3 7.

NOTE.—"Soon we heard His [Jesus']

lovely voice again, saying, 'Come, My peo-

ple, you have come out of great tribulation,

and done My will; suffered for Me; come in

to supper, for I will gird Myself, and serve

you.' We shouted, 'Alleluia! glory and en-

tered into the city. And I saw a

(

table of

pure silver; it, was many miles in length,

yet our eyes could extend over it. I saw the

fruit of the tree of life, the manna, almonds,

figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many other

kinds of fruit."—Early

Writings,

page 19.

Suggestions for Meditation

"The Lord is present on every occasion

when this humble ceremony is performed.

He is the Unseen Witness. He reads every

heart, with its concealed purposes, its wrong-

doings, its sin. You can neglect, you can

leave, these seasons of divine appointments;

and of you Christ's words may be appropri-

ately spoken, 'Ye are not all clean.'

"Is any sin cherished? Let it be cut away

from the soul by confession. The first look,

the first act, of contrition and repentance

that you direct toward Christ, does not es-

cape His notice. The first step you take

toward Him will bring Him more than a

step toward you. All things, especially on

this occasion, are ready for your reception.

He will meet you in your weakness, repent-

ing, brokenhearted soul, with His divine

strength ; He will meet your emptiness and

spiritual poverty with His inexhaustible

fullness."—Ellen G. White, in

Review and

Herald,

June 14, 1898.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

AUSTRALASIAN DIVISION

DECEMBER 26, 1953

[19

Lesson 6, for November 7, 1953

Symbolic Bread

MEMORY VERSE:

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of Life: he that

cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never

thirst." John 6:35.

STUDY HELP:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 660, 661.

AIM:

To define spiritual bread

;

to identify the living Bread, and to learn that by

dealing bread to the hungry, or casting it upon the water, it will return

and we thereby may avoid a personal famine.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: general survey



5. Questions 9-12.

of the lesson, based .on outline.



6. Questions 13, 14; read "The Desire

Key Words; Introduction. Questions



of Ages," pages 660, 661.

1, 2.



7. Review the entire lesson; think about

Questions 3, 4; memorize John 6:35.



Suggestions for Meditation.

Questions 5-8.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. The Broken Bread

The bread blessed and broken by

Jesus. Matt. 26:26.

Jesus' body symbolized by broken

bread. 1 Cor. 11:24.

Contrition of spirit acceptable in

God's sight. Ps. 34:18.

III. Temporal

and

Spiritual Bread

The source and regularity of daily

bread. Matt. 6:11; Ps. 37:25.

Man's requirement for more than

temporal bread. Deut. 8:3.

IV. The Necessity of Food for Body and

Soul

God's unfailing provision. Matt. 5:6.

Man's duty to share temporal and

spiritual food. Isa. 58:7.

Christ's feeding of the multitude.

John 6:5-11.

Christ's commission to Peter. John

21:15-17.

V. The Living Bread

Jesus, the Bread of Life. John 6:51.

The flesh and the spirit contrasted.

John 6:63.

The proper use of the word of God.

2 Tim. 2:15; 4:2.

A famine for the word prophesied.

Amos 8:11.

Assurance to the righteous. Isa.

33:15-17.

Key Words:

Bread

is an Anglo-Saxon word and

literally means "a fragment." The bread

must be broken before we can appropriate

it, for we can eat but a fragment at a time.

Likewise, the living Bread had to be broken

before it could be appropriated.

Contrite

comes from two Latin

words,

con

(together) and

terere

(to rub or

grind).

Contrite

means "broken down with

grief and penitence." Christ is broken for

my sin; and I am broken over His love for

me and over my sin. We are broken to-

gether. If we suffer together we shall reign

together-reign together now in service

(feeding the hungry) and reign together

then in glory.

Famine

means "a general scarcity of

food." Those who do not store spiritual

food in the mind will soon be destitute of

spiritual strength.

[ 20 ]

THE LESSON

Introduction

Bread is generally considered to be the

staff of life. Using this idea, Christ referred

to Himself as the Bread of Life, and as He

broke the bread and gave it to His disciples

He plainly told them that the bread sym-

bolized His body which was broken for

them.

The Broken Bread

1. What two things did Jesus do

before giving the bread to His dis-

ciples? What was done to Christ's

body? Matt. 26:26; 1 Cor. 11:24.

NoTE.—The kernel must be crushed be-

fore it can be made into bread, and the loaf

must be broken before it can be distributed.

Jesus broke the bread before He gave it

to His disciples. See Luke 22:19; Mark

14:22.

ion service in the upper chamber makes

sacred the provisions for our daily life. The

family board becomes as the table of the

Lord, and every meal a sacrament."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 660.

Through the gift of the manna,

what vital lesson was taught to an-

cient Israel? Deut. 8:3. Compare

Matt. 4:4.

Receiving and Giving Bread

What is promised to those who

hunger for spiritual food? Matt. 5:6.

What is the• Christian's duty to

the poor and the needy? What will be

the result of such liberality? Isa. 58:

7; Eccl. 11:1.

2. What kind of sacrifice does



7. When Christ fed the five thou-

God desire? Ps. 34:18; 51:16, 17.



sand, what three things did He do?

John 6:5-11.

NOTE.—"Just as the bread is made up of

many particles, gathered together in one

loaf, so those who partake of the bread

that is broken are gathered together in one

body."—James Hastings,

A Dictionary of

the Bible,

vol. 3, "Lord's Supper," section 5.

Bread, Temporal and Spiritual

3. For what did Jesus teach His

disciples to ask? What is the experi-

ence of those who serve Him? Matt.

6:11; Ps. 37:25.

NOTE.—"The cross of Calvary is stamped

every

loaf. It is reflected in every water

spring. All this Christ has taught in ap-

pointing the emblems of His great sacri-

fice. The light shining from that Commun-

What command given by Jesus

to Peter is applicable to all who are

converted and have received the liv-

ing Bread? John 21:15-17.

The Living Bread

Who is the living Bread, and

how do we receive Him? When we

receive the Bread of heaven, what

obligation do we have? John 6:48,

51, 53-56; Matt. 10:8, last phrase.

10.

What contrast did Jesus make

between the importance of the flesh

and the spirit? John 6:63.

[ 21 ]

AIM%

ZIMMA

AFERAVA

NOTE.—"The flesh [of the Passover lamb]

was to be eaten. It is not enough even that

we believe on Christ for the forgiveness of

sin ; we must by faith be constantly receiving

spiritual strength and nourishment from

Him through His word. Said Christ, 'Except

ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and

drink His blood, ye have no life in you.

Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My

blood, hath eternal life.' And to explain His

meaning He said, 'The words that I speak

unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.' "

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 277.

"The words of men express their own

human thoughts; but those of Christ are

spirit and

life."—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 433.

"Christ does not deny or retract the

statement, 'Except ye eat the flesh,' etc. He

simply shows in what sense He meant the

whole mutual indwelling of Himself and

His people to be understood.

The Spirit is

the Quickener. The Spirit is the life-fash-

ioning, life-preserving energy. The flesh,

the human manifestalion, apart from the

Spirit which makes that human life the

center of divine effluence, the focus for its

divine energy, profiteth nothing."—The

Pul-

pit Commentary,

on John 6:63.

11.

What are we to do with the

word? 2 Tim. 2:15, first part; 4:2,

first part.

12.

How is the word to be used in

studying and preaching? 2 Tim. 2:

15, last part; 4:2, last part.

NOTE.—The expressions "in season, out

of season," and "rightly dividing the word,"

indicate that one should take into consid-

eration the time, place, circumstance, and

the people to whom the word is being pre-

sented. Some scriptures are not applicable

to all times. For example, in Matthew 24

there are some prophecies that apply to the

time of the early church, and others reach

to the time of the second advent.

13.

What kind of famine was fore-

told by the prophet Amos? Amos

8:11.

CAN

STARVE SPIRITUALLY WHILE

THE BREAD OF LIFE IS ALL ABOUT US.

WE MUST EAT TO LIVE AND GROW.

NOTE.—"The plan of salvation had been

accomplished, but few had chosen to accept

it. And as mercy's sweet voice died away,

fear and horror seized the wicked. With ter-

rible distinctness they heard the words,

`Too late ! too late !'

"Those who had not prized God's word

were hurrying to and fro, wandering from

sea to sea, and from the north to the east,

to seek the word of the Lord. Said the angel,

`They shall not find it. There is a famine

in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a

thirst for water, but for hearing the words

of the Lord. What would they not give for

one word of approval from God! but no,

they must hunger and thirst

on."—Early

Writings,

page 281.

14.

Of what are the righteous as-

sured, particularly in the time of

trouble? Isa. 33:15-17.

Suggestions for Meditation

Much thought could be given to the

fact that bread makes blood, and blood is

life to muscle and brain; the word is spirit,

and the spirit is life to heart and soul. If the

body needs food every day, how much

more does the soul need its daily food!

One of the real tests as to whether or

not an individual is feeding on the word

may be stated thus: Is he dealing bread to

the hungry (both physical and spiritual

bread) by his personal efforts and by his

gifts?

[ 22 ]

Lesson 7, for November 14, 1953

The Body of Jesus

MEMORY VERSE:

"For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are

all partakers of that one bread." 1 Cor. 10:17.

STUDY HELP:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 19-26, 31-38.

AIM:

To understand more fully what the apostle Paul means by the expression

"Discerning the Lord's body."

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: survey the en-

tire lesson.

Key Words; Introduction. Questions

1-3.

Questions 4-7.

Questions 8-10; memorize

Cor.

10:17.

Questions 11-13.

Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 19-

26, 31-38.

Review entire lesson; think about

the Suggestions for Meditation.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. -The Incarnation

Christ's miraculous birth. Heb. 10:

5; Gal. 4:4.

Partaking of human nature. Rom.

1:3; Heb. 2:14-17.

Obedience unto death. Phil. 2:6-8.

III. Symbols of the Body of Christ

The broken bread. Matt. 26:26; 1

Cor. 11:24.

The temple and the veil. John 2:

19-21; Matt. 27:51; Heb. 10:20.

A grain of wheat. John 12:23, 24; 1

Cor. 15:36.

IV. The Purpose of the Incarnation Re-

vealed

The symbols of service. John 13:

4, 5.

Immanuel, God's revelation to

man. Matt. 1:23.

The supreme objective. Matt. 1:21;

John 1:29.

V. God's All-Inclusive Gift

The gift of love. John 3:16,

17.

All things through Christ. Rom.

8:32. Compare John 10:10.

The ultimate joy from acceptance

of the gift. John 14:1-3; Rev.

21:1-4.

Key Words:

Discern

means "to distinguish be-

tween." The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians

11:29, tells of one drinking "damnation to

himself, not discerning the Lord's body."

Discerning should be a continuous process.

However much one may know about the

body of Jesus and His incarnation, if he

ceases to learn more about it, he "drinketh

damnation to himself" when he partakes

of the bread and wine. However little one

may know, if he is in the process of dis-

cerning the body of the Lord, he partakes

of the bread and wine without damnation.

Incarnate

means "into flesh." Christ

became incarnate by taking flesh.

Give

means "to bestow without

thought of return." When God gave His

Son (John 3:16) it was not just for thirty-

three and one-half years, but for eternity.

Compare Ps. 110:4.

"Christ has carried His humanity into

eternity."-Ellen G. White, in

The Youth's

Instructor,

Oct. 28, 1897.

[23

THE LESSON

Introduction



Symbols of the Body of Christ

The discernment of the body of Jesus in-

cludes an understanding of salvation and

a uniting with God. We can only come to

God through Christ, and we become ac-

quainted with Christ by absorbing His

word.

"He who opens the Scriptures, and feeds

upon the heavenly manna, becomes a par-

taker of the divine nature."—Ellen G.

White,

Review and Herald,

June 28, 1892.

The Incarnation

By what miracle did Jesus ob-

tain His earthly body? Heb. 10:5;

Gal. 4:4. Compare Isa. 7:14; Luke

1:30-35.

Of whose nature, therefore, did

Jesus partake? Rom. 1:3; Heb. 2:

14-17.

NOTE.—While Jesus, incarnate, was still

God, yet in His earthly life He lived and

worked as a human being with a human

body.

"The humanity of the Son of God is

everything to us. It is the golden chain that

binds our souls to Christ, and through Christ

to God. This is to be our study. Christ was

a real man; He gave proof of His humility

in becoming a man. Yet He was God in

the flesh. When we approach this subject,

we would do well to heed the words spoken

by Christ to Moses at the burning bush,

Tut off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the

place whereon thou standest is holy ground.'

We should come to this study with the

humility of a learner, with a contrite. heart.

And the study of the incarnation of Christ

is a fruitful field, which will repay the

searcher who digs deep for hidden truth."

—Ellen G. White, in

The Youth's Instructor,

Oct. 13, 1898.

As a man, how fully did Christ

submit Himself to God? Phil. 2:6-8.

What did Jesus take as a repre-

sentation of His body? Matt. 26:26;

1 Cor. 11:24.

In what words did Jesus refer

to His body as a temple? John 2:

19-21.

NOTE.—"Early in His ministry Christ

had said, `Destroy this temple, and in three

da'ys I will raise it up.' In the figurative

language of prophecy, He had thus fore-

told His own death and resurrection."—

The Desire of Ages,

page 705.

What other figure in connec-

tion with the temple did Jesus use

in referring to Himself? Matt. 27:51;

Heb. 10:20.

What lesson concerning His

body did Jesus teach from a grain of

wheat? How did the apostle Paul

emphasize this truth? John 12:23, 24;

1 Cor. 15:36.

NoTE.---The body was broken for our sal-

vation; the veil was rent that we might

have a living way to the Father; the kernel

of wheat falls into the earth, dies, and

springs up to bear an abundant harvest.

"By the casting of the grain into the soil,

Christ represents the sacrifice of Himself

'for our redemption. . . .

"And all who would bring forth fruit as

workers together with Christ, must first

fall into the ground and die. The life must

be cast into the furrow of the world's need.

Self-love, self-interest, must perish. But the

law of self-sacrifice is the law

of self-pres-

ervation. The seed buried in the ground

produces fruit, and in turn this is planted.

Thus the harvest is multiplied. The hus-

bandman preserves his grain by casting it

[24

]

away. So in human life, to give is to live.

The life that will be preserved is the life

that is freely given in service to God and

man. Those who for Christ's sake sacri-

fice their life in this world, will keep it

unto life eternal."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

pages 86, 87.

The Purpose of the Incarnation

Revealed

What symbols of Christ's con-

descension are set forth in the upper-

room experience? John 13:4, 5.

What significant title is be-

stowed upon Christ? Matt. 1:23.

NOTE.—"

'His name shall be called Im-

manuel, • . . God with us.' The light of the

knowledge of the glory of God' is seen 'in

the face of Jesus Christ.' From the days of

eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with

the Father; He was 'the image of God,' the

image of His greatness and majesty, 'the

outshining of His glory.' It was to manifest

this glory that He came to our world. To

this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal

the light of God's love,—to be 'God with

us.' Therefore it was prophesied of Him,

`His name shall be called Immanuel.'

"—

The Desire of Ages,

page 19.

10.

In what precious words is the

supreme objective of the incarna-

tion revealed? Matt. 1:21. Compare

John 1:29.

NOTE.-"

'Behold the Lamb of God, which

taketh away the sin of the world.' John

1:29. The light shining from the cross re-

veals the love of God. His love is drawing

us to Himself. If we do not resist this draw-

ing, we shall be led to the foot of the cross

in repentance for the sins that have cru-

cified the Saviour. Then the Spirit of God

through faith produces a new life in the

soul. The thoughts and desires are brought

into obedience to the will of Christ. The

heart, the mind, are created anew in the.

LIGHT SHINING FROM THE CROSS

REVEALS THE LOVE OF GOD.

DO WE REFLECT THAT LIGHT?

image of Him who works in us to subdue

all things to Himself."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 175, 176.

God's All-Inclusive Gift

11.

What did God's love for a lost

world compel Him to do? John 3:

16, 17.

NoTE.—"

'God so loved the world, that

he gave His only-begotten Son.' John

3:16.

He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and

to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the

fallen race. To assure us of His immutable

counsel of peace, God gave His only-begot-

ten Son to become one of the human family,

forever to retain His human nature. This

is the pledge that God will fulfill His word.

`Unto

a Child is born, unto

a Son is

given: and the government shall be upon

His shoulder.' God has adopted human na-

ture in the person of His Son, and has car-

ried the same into the highest heaven. It is

the 'Son of man' who shares the throne of

the universe. It is the 'Son of man' whose

name shall be called, 'Wonderful, Counselor,

The, mighty God, The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.' Isa. 9:6. The I AM

is the Daysman between God and humanity,

laying His hand upon both. He who is

`holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from

sinners,' is not ashamed to call us brethren.

Heb. 7:26; 2:11. In Christ the family of

[

25]

earth and the family of heaven are bound

together. Christ glorified is our brother.

Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and hu-

manity is enfolded in the bosom of In-

finite Love."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages

25, 26.

12.

How much is included in the

gift of Christ? Rom. 8:32. Compare

John 10:10.

13.

What ultimate joy does this

gift embrace? John 14:1-3; Rev. 21:

1-4.

NorE.—"In the earth made new, the re-

deemed will engage in the occupations and

pleasures that brought happiness to Adam

and Eve in the beginning. The Eden life

will be lived, the life in garden and field....

"There every power will be developed,

every capability increased. The grandest

enterprises will be carried forward, the

loftiest aspirations will be reached, the high-

est ambitions realized. And still there will

appear new heights to surmount, new won-

ders to admire, new truths to comprehend,

fresh objects of study to call forth the

powers of body and mind and soul."—

Prophets and Kings,

pages 730, 731.

Suggestions for Meditation

With this lesson in mind, we ought to be

able to look upon the Lord's Supper with

more understanding. A discernment of His

body is more than the ability to name the

symbols used in the Lord's Supper and tell

what they stand for. Discerning His body

will cause us to become more willing to

give our time, efforts, money, and ourselves

without reserve.

"The matchless love of God for a world

that did not love Him! The thought has a

subduing power upon the soul, and brings

the mind into captivity to the will of God.

The more we study the divine character in

the light of the cross, the more we see mercy,

tenderness, and forgiveness blended with

equity and justice, and the more clearly we

discern innumerable evidences of a love

that is infinite, and a tender pity surpassing

a mother's yearning sympathy for her way-

ward child."—Steps

to Christ,

page 18.

Lesson 8, for November 21, 1953

The Symbolic Cup

MEMORY VERSE:

"After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had

supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as

oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me." 1 Cor. 11:25.

STUDY HELP:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 144-153, 688-693.

AIM:

To understand the fact that Jesus is our cupbearer.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: general survey

of the lesson, based on outline.

Key Words; Introduction. Questions

1-4.

Questions 5-8.

Questions 9-11.

Questions 12, 13; memorize 1 Cor.

11:25.

Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 144-

153; 688-693.

Review entire lesson; think about

Suggestions for Meditation.

[ 26 ]

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Christ's Reference to the Cup and

Contents

At the marriage of Cana. John 2:

5-11.

Conversation with James and John.

Mark 10:38.

In the upper chamber. Matt. 26:

27, 28.

In Gethsemane. Matt. 26:39, 42,

44.

III. Other References to the Cup

Tasted of death for every man.

Heb. 2:9.

David's reference. Ps. 23:5.

Symbol of purity. Matt. 23:25, 26.

The wine of the wrath of God.

Rev. 14:10.

IV. Significance of the Cup to Us

All His followers to partake. Matt.

26:27.

We partake through sharing His

sufferings. Mark 10:39; 13:9, 12,

13; 2 Tim. 3:12.

The cup of salvation to be shared

with others. Ps. 116:13; Rom.

1:14-16.

Pledge of future sharing of cup.

Mark 14:25.

Key Words:

The Wine.

"The wine which Christ

provided for . . . the disciples as a syrfibol

of His own blood, was the pure juice of the

grape. To this the prophet Isaiah refers

when he speaks of the new wine 'in the clus-

ter,' and says, 'Destroy it not; for a

blessing is in

it.'"-The

Desire of Ages,

page 149.

Tasted Death.

"Christ felt the an-

guish which the sinner will feel when mercy

shall no longer plead for the guilty race.

It was the sense of sin, bringing the Father's

wrath upon Him as man's substitute, that

made the cup He drank so bitter, and broke

the heart of .the Son of God."-The

Desire

of Ages,

page 753.

THE LESSON

Introduction

The cup may symbolize Christ's work

for our salvation (Ps. 116:13;

The Desire

of Ages,

page 149) ; it may represent His

partaking of the wrath of God for our re-

demption

(The Desire of Ages,

page 7,53) ;

it may represent His life given for us (Matt.

23:25) ; it may represent our lives and

their state of cleanliness (Eccl. 12:6, Matt.

23:25);

it is a memorial of Christ's death

till He comes (1 Cor. 11:26) ; in the future

kingdom, Christ and His people will par-

take anew of the vine but not the cup

(Matt. 26:29).

Christ's References to the Cup

and Its Contents

1. What is one interpretation we

may make of Christ's miracle at the

first feast He attended? John 2:5-11.

NOTE.

-"At

the first feast He attended

with His disciples, Jesus gave them the cup

that symbolized His work for their salva-

tion."-The

Desire of Ages,

page 149.

What interpretation of the cup

is implied in Christ's conversation

with James and John? Mark 10:

38, 39.

NoTE.-" 'Ye shall drink indeed of My

cup, and be baptized with the baptism that

I am baptized with,' He said; before Him

a cross instead of a throne, two malefactors

His companions at His right hand and His

left. John and James were to share with

their Master in suffering; the one, first of

the brethren to perish with the sword; the

other, longest of all to endure toil, and re-

proach, and persecution."-The

Desire of

Ages,

pages 548, 549.

In the upper chamber what ex-

planation of the cup did Jesus make?

Matt.

26:27, 28.

[ 27 ]

ocritical Pharisees, do things to make you

appear devotional and righteous in the eyes

of others. Break your heart before God, and

know that it is impossible for you to de-

ceive the holy

angels."—Testimonies, vol. 2,

p. 87.

8. If men choose not to drink from

the cup of salvation, from what other

(cup will they drink? Rev. 14:10.

In Gethsemane what request

of His Father did Jesus make three

times? Matt. 26:39, 42, 44.

NOTE.—"Three times has He uttered that

prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk

from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now

the history of the human race comes up be-

fore the world's Redeemer. He sees that the

transgressors of the law, if left to them-

selves, must perish. He sees the helplessness

of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes

and lamentations of a doomed world rise

before Him. He beholds its impending fate,

and His decision is made. He will save man

at any cost to Himself. He accepts His bap-

tism of blood, that through Him perishing

millions may gain everlasting life."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 690-693.

Other Scriptural References

to the Cup

For how many did Jesus taste

death? Heb. 2:9.

Of what cup does David speak

in the Shepherd Psalm? Ps. 23:5.

NOTE.—"The cup most difficult to carry

is not the cup that is empty, but the cup

that is full to the brim. It is this that needs

to be most carefully balanced. Affliction and

adversity bring disappointment and sor-

row; but it is prosperity that is most dan-

gerous to spiritual

life."—The Ministry of

Healing,

page 212.

What spiritual lesson should we

draw from Christ's rebuke to the

Pharisees? Matt. 23:25, 26.

NOTE.—"You have tried hard to improve

outwardly; but the work has been too much

on the surface, an outside work and not a

work of the heart. Set your heart in order,

humble yourself before God, and implore

His grace to help you. Do not, like the hyp-

NOTE.—"The end of all things is at hand.

God will not much longer bear with the

crimes and debasing iniquity of the children

of men. Their crimes have indeed reached

unto the heavens and will soon be answered

by the fearful plagues of God upon the

earth. They will drink .the cup of God's

wrath unmixed with

mercy."—Testimonies,

vol. 3,

p. 473.

Significance of the Cup to Us

9. How many of Christ's followers

are expected to partake of the cup He

has given? Matt. 26:27.

10. Through what experience are

Christ's followers to drink His cup?

Mark 10:39; 13:9, 12, 13.

11.

How did Paul emphasize the

fact that Christians will be called

upon to drink the cup of Christ's

suffering? 2 Tim. 3:12.

NoTE.—"The same enmity is manifested

toward Christ's followers as was manifested

toward their Master. Whoever sees the re-

pulsive character of sin, and in strength

from above resists temptation, will assur-

edly arouse the wrath of Satan and his sub-

jects. Hatred of the pure principles of

truth, and reproach and persecution of its

advocates, will exist as long as sin and sin-

ners remain. The followers of Christ and

the servants of Satan cannot harmonize.

The offense of the cross has not ceased. 'All

that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall

suffer persecution.'

"—The Great Contro7

versy,

page 507.

12.

What obligation comes upon

us as we partake of the cup of sal-

vation? Ps. 116:13; Rom. 1:14-16.

NoTE.—"Every true disciple is born into

the kingdom of God as a missionary. He

who drinks of the living water becomes a

fountain of life. The receiver becomes a

giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like

a spring in the desert, Welling up to refresh

all, and making those who are ready to

perish eager to drink of the water of life."

—The Desire of Ages,

page 195.

13.

Having partaken of the cup

here, what future privilege awaits

the followers of Christ? Mark 4:25.

Suggestions for Meditation

"Jesus suffered the full penalty of sin.

On Calvary's cross the weight of the sins

of the world rested upon His soul. He re-

ceived in His bosom the arrow of lost• hu-

manity. Have you followed Him in the

Garden of Gethsemane? Have you seen the

bloody sweat bedew the ground? Have you

heard the anguished prayer He offered to

heaven, '0 My Father, if it be possible, let

this cup pass from Me: nevertheless, not as

I will, but as Thou wilt'? Three times was

this petition offered to heaven, but the cup

was, not removed. The destiny of a lost

world trembled in the balance, but Jesus

decided to drink the bitter cup to the very

dregs."—Ellen G. White, in

Review and

Herald,

July 12, 1892.

Lesson 9, for November 28, 1953

"My Flesh Is Meat"

MEMORY VERSE:

"It

is the

spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the

words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63.

STUDY HELPS:

"Education," pages 123-127; "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 599.

AIM:

To more fully understand the meaning of Jesus' words, "My flesh is meat."

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: general survey

of the lesson, based on outline.

Key Words; Introduction. Questions

1-3.

Questions 4, 5; memorize John 6:63.

Questions 6-8.

Questions 9-11.

Questions 12, 13; read "Education,"

PP. 123-127; "Patriarchs and

Prophets," p. 599.

Review entire lesson; think about

Suggestions for Meditation.

[29

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

II. Spiritual Food

Christ's flesh is the symbol of man's

necessary spiritual food. John

6:53-56.

Christ's words are quickening food.

John 6:63.

God's will was food to Jesus. John

4: 32-34.

Jesus is the Bread of Life. John

6:48.

III. Partaking of Spiritual Food

Significance of partaking of the

Communion. 1 Cor. 10:16, 17.

David's and Jeremiah's estimates

of the word. Ps. 119:103 ; - Jer.

•

15:16.

3. Spiritual regeneration. John 3:5-7.

IV. The Objective of Partaking of the

Lord's Supper

1. To remind us of the death of Christ.

1 Cor. 11:26.

To remind us that Christ died for

our sins. 1 Cor. 15:3.

To help us to follow Jesus' example

in dying to sin. ROm. 6:10; 1 Peter

2:21.

To make us worthy of our Lord.

1. Cor. 11:27-29.

Key Words:

Communion

has the same meaning

as the word

common-"to

have in com-

mon," or "the act of sharing." The Greek

word used in the New Testament which is

translated "fellowship" has the same mean-

ing-"sharing in common." The communion

of His body and blood .means sharing the

emblems with discernment and fellowship.

The Word.

Christ is the living Word,

and that Word was made flesh. (John 1:1-3,

14.) The Bible is the written word and is

powerful. (Heb. 4:12.) By the word and

by the Spirit comes the new birth. (1 Peter

1:23; John 3:5.) The written words are

spirit and life. (John 6:63.)

THE LESSON

By what are Christ's body and

blood symbolized? Matt. 26:26, 27.

What final explanation did Je-

sus give regarding His flesh as food?

John 6:63.

NOTE.

-"It is

the Spirit who quickens

the soul to a new, immortal, and heavenly

existence, and that Spirit acts through the

words of sacred truth which I speak to you.

They

are spirit, and they are life.' "-Cun-

ningham Geikie,

The Life and Words of

Christ,

page 718.

What was the meat, or food, of

Jesus? John 4:32-34.

Spiritual Food

NOTE.

-"God

stands toward His people in

the relation of a father, and He has a

[ 30 ]

Introduction

When we begin to discern the body and

blood of Christ, the first part of the service

(the ordinance of humility) will prepare us

for the Lord's table, and partaking of the

bread and wine will result in our spiritual

revival. Then the ordinances will no longer

be a there form to us. We will then be glad

to observe them, and will not pierce the

heart. of Jesus by neglecting them.

"These ordinances are regarded too much

as a form, and not as a sacred thing to call

to mind the Lord Jesus. . . . It is in these,

His own appointments, that He meets with

and energizes His people by His personal

presence."-Ellen G. White, in

Review and

Herald,

June 22, 1897.

"How the heart of Christ is pierced by

the forgetfulness, the unwillingness and

neglect, to do the things that God has en-

joined upon us !"-Ellen G. White, in

Re-

view and Herald,

June 22, 1897.

1. What must men eat and drink

to live? John 6:53-56.

5EVENTH

ADVENTIST CHURCH

WIDAYS SUNNI

THE ORDNANCE

OF HUMILITY

and

THE

Loran

SUPPER

DO UNWILLINGNESS ,FORGETFULNESS,

OR NEGLECT KEEP US AWAY?

father's claim to our faithful service. Con-

sider the life of Christ. Standing at the head

of humanity, serving His Father, He is an

example of what every son should and may

be. The obedience that Christ rendered God

requires from human beings today."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 282.

What did Jesus declare Himself

to be? John 6:48, 50, 51. Compare

John 1:14.

Partaking of Spiritual Food

What does the partaking of the

Communion signify? 1 Cor. 10:16, 17.

How did David and Jeremiah

express their pleasure in partaking of

the word of God? Ps. 119:103; Jer.

15:16.

Every seed has in itself a germinating prin-

ciple. In it the life of the plant is enfolded.

So there is life in God's word. Christ says,

The words that I speak unto you, they are

spirit, and they are life.' He that heareth

My word, and believeth on Him that sent

Me, hath everlasting life.' In every com-

mand and in every promise of the word of

God is the power, the very life of God, by

which the command may be fulfilled and

the promise realized. He who by faith re-

ceives the word is receiving the very life and

character of

God."—Christ's Object Les-

sons,

page 38.

Reason for Partaking of

Spiritual Food

How do we show forth the

Lord's death? 1 Cor. 11:26.

10.

In showing His death, what

are we to remember that He died

for?

1 Cor. 15:3.

11.

Unto what did Jesus die?

What example did He leave us? Rom.

6:10; 1 Peter 2:21.

NorE.—In dying to sin, Jesus died to self-

seeking, selfishness, and to the unforgiving

spirit, and by His conduct He gave us an

example. He "came not to be ministered

unto, but to minister."

12.

In order not to partake of the

Lord's Supper unworthily, what are

we admonished to do? 1 Cor. 11:

27-29.

8. What spiritual regeneration is

essential? What place does the word

of God have in this experience? John

3:5-7; 1 Peter 1:23.

Nora.—"The word of God is the seed.

[ 31

13. What twofold purpose does

the Lord's Supper serve? 1 Cor. 11:26.

Suggestions for Meditation

1. The fact that we feel unworthy does

not make us eat and drink at the Lord's

table unworthily. The unworthiness con-

sists in the fact that we do not see in the

body and blood of Jesus a way out of sin.

2. If Jesus died for our sins, and has

given us an example that He also died to

sin and selfishness, then we should show

that His death has been effectual for us by

the fact that we also have died to sin and

selfishness.

Lesson 10, for December 5, 1953

Spiritual Food in Christ; Quickening and Cleansing

by the Spirit

MEMORY VERSE:

"Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat

which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto

you: for Him hath God the Father sealed." John 6:27.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 383-390; "Christ's Object Lessons,"

pages 130, 131.

AIM:

To gain a more adequate comprehension of spiritual food as presented in

the word of God; to find in God's word, in Jesus the Son of God, and in the

Holy Spirit, the source of spiritual life.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: general survey



of the lesson, based on outline.



Key Words; Introduction. Questions

1-4.

Questions 5-7; memorize John 6:27.



Questions 8-11.

Questions 12-14.

Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 383-

390; "Christ's Object Lessons," pp.

130, 131.

Review entire lesson; think about

Suggestions for Meditation.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. The Bread of Life

We are to labor for spiritual food

from Christ. John 6:11, 26, 27.

We must believe and accept Christ

if we are to do God's work. John

6:28, 29.

God gives the Bread from heaven.

John 6:30-33.

Jesus is the Bread of Life. John

6:35, 48-51.

III. Gift of the Spirit

Jesus' promise of the Spirit. John

14:26; Acts 2:16-18.

Work of the Spirit. John 16: 7-11 ;

Acts 2:37.

Walking in the Spirit. Rom. 8:

1-14.

IV. Quickening by the Spirit

Life-giving power of the Spirit.

2 Cor. 3:6; 1 Peter 3:18.

Christ's words are spirit and life.

John 6:63.

Heeding the admonition of the

Spirit. Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29.

V. Cleansing Through the Spirit

A fountain open for sin. Zech. 13:1;

Ps. 51:1-7.

Cleansing from sin. 1 John 1:7-9;

1 Cor. 12:13; Matt. 28:19.

Sealed by the Spirit. Rom. 5:5; Eph.

1:13; 4:30.

[ 32 ]

Key Words:

1. Quickening.

The word "quicken-

ing" means "giving life." It is used here

with reference to the life-giving power of

•

the Spirit.

"Love."

The word "loved" in John

3:16 is translated from a Greek word

which means "to love by a deliberate act

of the will." "God so loved the world," by

a deliberate act of the will, "that He gave.

. . . " This same word is used in Romans

5:5 when it speaks of the Holy Ghost

shedding love abroad in the heart. The Holy

Ghost thus makes it possible for us to love

men and women who are unlovable, and

love them as God did the world, by a de-

liberate act of the will. This takes a trans-

formation or renewing of the mind.

THE LESSON

Introduction

To have life, all must eat the flesh of

Jesus—the personified Word, though the

flesh without the Spirit is unprofitable.

John 6:63. Understanding • of the word

makes us discern the Lord's body—His in-

carnation. His words are spirit and life. The

Spirit through the word gives life and heal-

ing. Rom. 8:11; Ps. 107:20. The Spirit by

the blood (His life) writes the law in our

hearts, and the law hangs on love, for love

is the fulfilling of the law. By loving one

another we show ourselves to be Christ's

disciples. We manifest that love by being

rid of selfishness and anxiety for the su-

premacy.

The Bread of Life

After feeding the five thousand,

what lesson did Jesus give His dis-

ciples? John 6:11, 26, 27.

What question did the Jews ask,

and what answer did Jesus give?

John 6:28, 29.

NOTE.—"It will avail nothing for us to do

penance, or to flatter ourselves that by our

own works we shall merit or purchase an in-

heritance among the saints. When the ques-

tion was asked Christ, 'What shall we do

that we might work the works of God?' He

answered, 'This is the work of God, that ye

believe on Him whom He bath sent.' Re-

pentance is turning from self to Christ; and

when we receive Christ, so that, through

faith, He can live His life in us, good works

will be

manifest."—Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing,

page 131.

When the Jews asked Jesus for

a sign, what did He say? John 6:

30-33.

What did Jesus plainly declare

Himself to be, and what did He say

of His flesh? John 6:35, 48-58.

NoTE.—David Smith, speaking of this

passage ("Whoso eateth My flesh . . . hath

eternal life," John 6:54), says: "Such lan-

guage would sound less strange in Jewish

than in modern ears, since, alike in the

Scriptures and in the rabbinical literature,

sacred instruction is called

bread

and those

who eagerly absorb it are said to

eat

it. 'Thy

words,' says the prophet Jeremiah, 'were

found, and I did eat them.' And it is writ-

ten in the Talmud: "Feed him with bread,"

that is, Make him labor in the warfare of

the law, as it is said: "Come eat of my

bread." ' Yet stronger and closely similar

to language of our Lord is the Talmudic

figure of 'eating the Messiah,' which meant

receiving Him joyfully and . . . devouring

His instruction."—The

Days of His Flesh,

pages 241, 242.

The Gift of the Spirit

Whom did Jesus promise that

the Father would send to the disciples

in His stead? How was the promise

[ 33

fulfilled? John 14:16, 17, 26; Acts

2:1-4, 16-18.

NoTE.—As the disciples would take their

eyes off the physical presence of Jesus in

His human flesh (for "the flesh profiteth

little") and would feel their need for His

spiritual presence (2 Cor. 6:16) in their

own flesh, the Spirit would come. Christ

would be closer to them in the Spirit than

ever He had been in the flesh.

"Henceforth through the Spirit, Christ

was to abide continually in the hearts of His

children. Their union with Him was closer

than when He was personally with them."

—Steps to Christ,

page 80.

What is the work of the Holy

Spirit? John 16:7-11. Compare Acts

2:37.

What does Paul say of our walk

with the Spirit? Rom. 8:1-14.

Quickening by the Spirit

What does Paul say gives life;

and what, according to Peter, quick-

ened Jesus from the dead? 2 Cor. 3:6;

1 Peter 3:18.

What did Jesus say was spirit

and life? John 6:63.

NoTE.—Jesus was the Word made flesh.

The Spirit brings the word to our remem-

brance, and thus He works through the

word. No wonder that Jesus said, "The

words that I speak unto you, they are spirit

and they are life."

10.

What repeated admonition is

given by John concerning heeding

the words of the Spirit? Rev.

2:7, 11,

17, 29.

NoTE.—Since the Spirit is life, and Jesus'

words are life, and since the bodily flesh

profiteth little, then Christ's words and His

Spirit become all-important. Therefore a

discerning of His body will be a discerning

of the meaning of His words, which were

personified in His flesh. This discerning is

by the Spirit.

11.

What does the Holy Spirit

deepen in our hearts? Matt. 22:36-40;

Rom. 5:5.

Cleansing Through the Spirit

12.

When the body of Jesus is dis-

cerned, what fountain is opened in

Jerusalem? Zech. 13:1. Compare Ps.

51:1-7.

13.

What cleansing is assured?

What significant mention is made of

the Spirit in baptism? 1 John 1:7, 9;

1 Cor. 12:13; Matt. 28:19.

14.

With what are we sealed?

What earnest admonition is given us?

Eph. 1:13; 4:30.

[ 34]

Suggestions for Meditation

1. In view of John 6:63, much new mean-

ing can be found in the words of Jesus as

found in Luke 4:4: "It is written, That man

shall not live by bread alone, but by every

word of God;" and in John 4:34, "My meat

is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and

to finish His work."

When we have partaken of the flesh

and blood of Jesus, thus receiving His life

and spirit of unselfishness, then we will be

willing to give all back to Him, liberally.

Are we continually receiving the quick-

ening and cleansing power of the Holy

Spirit?

Lesson 11, for December 12, 1953

The Vine

MEMORY VERSE:

"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask

what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified,

that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples." John 15:7, 8.

STUDY HELPS:

"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 296-306; "The Desire of Ages,"

pages 675-677.

AIM:

To understand better the relationship of the husbandman, the vine, the

branches, and the fruit.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: general survey

of the lesson, based on outline.

Key Words; Introduction. Questions

1, 2.

Questions 3-5; memorize John 15:

7, 8.

Questions 6-10.

Questions 11-14.

Read "Christ's Object Lessons," pages

296-306; and "The Desire of

Ages," pages 675-677.

Review entire lesson.

IV.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

II. An Old Testament Symbol

Israel, the vine of God's planting.

Ps. 80:8.

God's vine brings forth wild grapes.

Isa. 5:1, 2.

Evidences of deterioration. Deut.

32:31-33 ; Hosea 10:1 ; Jer. 2:21.

God's lament for His church. Isa.

5:3, 4.

The inevitability of judgment. Isa.

5:5-7.

III. The New Testament Vine

1. Relationship between Christ and

His Father. John 15:1.

L 35

Relationship between Christ and

His followers. John 15:4.

Fruit bearing and acceptance, bar-

renness and rejection. John 15:

5, 6.

Union with Christ, and the prayer

life. John 15:7.

Condition of abiding. John 15:10;

14:15.

Glorifying the Father

Fruit bearing to the glory of the

Father. John 15:8.

The fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22, 23.

The gift of peace. John 14:27.

Christ's prayer for unity. John 17:

22, 23.

Key Words:

Branch.

Christ is the Branch. See

Isa. 11:1; Jer. 23:5; and Zech. 3:8; 6:12.

He depended on His Father. John 14:21. In

turn, as branches, we must depend on

Christ, the Vine. John 15:1, 5. Christ, by de-

pending upon His Father, gave us an ex-

ample that we may know how to depend

on the Vine. A branch must depend upon

the Vine to bear fruit.

Grapes.

This word is translated from

the Greek and means a single grape or a

cluster of grapes in the bunch.

The words "wild grapes" in Isaiah 5:2, 4

are the translation of a Hebrew word

meaning "poison, berries," and the verb

root means "to be offensive, to have a bad

odor." The Hebrews "stank" among the

heathen.

Husbandman

in the Hebrew is lit-

erally "a man of the soil;" in the Greek it

is a compound of the words

earth

and

labor.

The husbandman plants, waters, culti-

vates, grafts, and prunes the vine that he

may enjoy its fruit. He leaves nothing un-

done that might result in more fruit, and

he waits for that fruit. See James 5:7. No

vine can bear fruit without the husband-

man.

Vine

in the Hebrew comes from a

root meaning "to incline," and Christ, the

Vine, bent to His Father's will in every ef-

fort to save us. Christ depended upon His

Father for support, so we are to depend

upon Christ for support.

THE LESSON

Introduction

Christ is the Vine, and we are the

branches. The branches bear the fruit if

they abide in the Vine. Fruitless branches

are of no value. To bear fruit is their only

reason for existence.

There is a mystic relation of the Vine, the

branches, and the fruit itself which when

crushed gives the grape juice—the symbol

of the blood of Jesus.

We must abide in the Vine if we are to

have the protection and the approbation

of the Husbandman, and the only means of

communion with the Father is through

Christ.

"There can be no union between our soul

and God except through Christ. . . . Then

. . . we receive the bread and wine sym-

bolizing His broken body and spilled blood.

Thus we must feed on Christ, or we can

have no communion with Him."—Ellen G.

White, in

Review and Herald,

June 7, 1898.

An Old Testament Symbol

Of what was the vine a symbol

in the Old Testament? Who planted

this vine? Ps. 80:8.

NOTE.—"In bringing forth Israel from

Egypt, the Lord again manifested His power

and His mercy. His wonderful works in

their deliverance from bondage and His

dealings with them in their travels through

the wilderness, were not for their benefit

alone. These were to be as an object lesson

to the surrounding

nations."—Christ's Ob-

ject Lessons,

pages 286, 287.

How tenderly did God care for

His vine? What kind of fruit did it

bear? Isa. 5:1, 2.

NoTE.—"God desired to make of His peo-

ple Israel a praise and a glory. Every spirit-

ual advantage was given them. God with-

held from them nothing favorable to the

formation of character that would make

them representatives of

Himself."—Clzrist's

Object Lessons,

page 288.

How do

other Old Testament

writers describe the deterioration of

God's vine? Deut. 32:31-33; Hosea

10:1; Jer. 2:21.

What lament does God make

through Isaiah about Israel's wild

grapes? Isa. 5:3, 4.

[36

]

THE MASTER LONGS FOR U5 TO

PRODUCE FRUIT FOR 1415 KINGDOM.

NOTE.—"God desired to bring all peoples

under His merciful rule. He desired that the

earth should be filled with joy and peace.

He created man for happiness, and He longs

to fill human hearts with the peace of

heaven. He desires that the families below

shall be a symbol of the great family above."

—Christ's Object Lessons,

page 290.

5. What judgment was 'prophesied

for His people? Isa. 5:5-7.

NorE.—"Christ would have averted the

doom of the Jewish nation if the people

had received Him. But envy and jealousy

made them implacable. They determined

that they would not receive Jesus of Naza-

reth as the Messiah. They rejected the Light

of the world, and henceforth their lives

were surrounded with darkness as the dark-

ness of midnight. The doom foretold came

upon the Jewish nation. Their own fierce

passions, uncontrolled, wrought their ruin.

In their blind .rage they destroyed one an-

other. Their rebellious, stubborn pride

brought upon them the wrath of their Ro-

man conquerors. Jerusalem was destroyed,

the temple laid in ruins, and its site plowed

like a field. The children of Judah perished

by the most horrible forms of death. Mil-

lions were sold, to serve as bondmen in

heathen lands.

"As a people the Jews had failed of ful-

filling God's purpose, and the vineyard was

taken from them. The privileges they had

abused, the work they had slighted, were

entrusted to

others."—Christ's Object Les-

sons,

pages 295, 296.

The New Testament Vine

By what symbolic figure did

Jesus represent His relationship with

the Father? John 15:1.

What close relationship is to

exist between Jesus and His follow-

ers? John 15:4.

NOTE.—"You are just as dependent upon

Christ, in order to live a holy life, as is the

branch upon the parent stock for growth

and fruitfulness. Apart from

Him

you have

no life. You have no power to resist tempta-

tion or to grow in grace and holiness. Abid-

ing in Him, you may flourish. Drawing

your life from Him, you will not wither nor

be fruitless. You will be like a tree planted

by the rivers of water."—Steps

to Christ,

page 73.

What is said of the fruitful

branch and the unfruitful? John 15:

5, 6.

NoTE.—"Christ is the living Vine; and if

you are branches of that Vine, the life nour-

ishment which flows through it will nourish

you, that you will not be barren or un-

fruitful."—Testimonies,

vol. 3, p. 522.

What precious promise did

Jesus make to those who abide in

Him? John 15:7. Compare 1 John

3:22.

NorE.—"I asked the angel why there was

no more faith and power in Israel. He said,

`Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon.

[ 37 ]

Press your petitions to the throne, and hold

on by strong faith. The promises are sure.

Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and

ye shall have them.'

"—Early Writings,

page 73.

10.

What is the condition of our

abiding in Christ's love? John 15:10;

14:15, 23.

NOTE.—"The law of God is an expression

of His very nature; it is an embodiment of

the great principle of love, and hence is the

foundation of His government in heaven

and earth. If our hearts are renewed in the

likeness of God, if the divine love is im-

planted in the soul, will not the law of God

be carried out in the life? . . . Obedience—

the service and allegiance of love—is the

true sign of discipleship. Thus the Scrip-

ture says, 'This is the love of God, that we

keep His commandments.'

"—Steps to

Christ,

page 65.

Glorifying the Father

11.

How can the branch glorify

the Husbandman? John 15:8.

NOTE.—"All who receive Christ as a per-

sonal Saviour are to demonstrate the truth

of the gospel and its saving power upon the

life. God makes no requirement without

making provision for its fulfillment. Through

the grace of Christ we may accomplish

everything that God requires. All the riches

of heaven are to be revealed through God's

people. 'Herein is My Father glorified,'

Christ says, 'that ye bear much fruit; so

shall ye be My disciples.'

"—Christ's Object

Lessons,

page 301.

12.

What fruit will be found on

the branch that abides in the True

Vine? Gal. 5:22, 23.

13.

What one outstanding fruit

of the Spirit did Jesus promise to give

to His disciples? John 14:27.

NOTE.—"This peace is not something that

He gives apart from Himself. It is in Christ,

and we can receive it only by receiving

Him."—The Ministry of Healing,

page 247.

14.

What great desire did Jesus

express in His prayer for His disciples

that may be represented by the union

of the vine and the branches? John

17:22, 23.

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Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Write to the Inter-

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[ 38

Lesson 12, for December 19, 1953

The New Commandment

MEMORY VERSE:

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one an-

other

;

as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall

all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another."

John 13:34, 35.

STUDY HELP:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 504, 505, 677, 678.

AIM:

To understand better the relationship of love to the law and to the ser-

vice of humanity as Christ has given us an example.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: general survey



of the lesson, based on outline.



Key Words; Introduction. Questions



1-3.

Questions 4-6; memorize John 13:



34, 35.

Questions 7-9.

Questions 10-13.

Read "The Desire of Ages," pp.

504, 505, 677, 678.

Review entire lesson; think about

Suggestions for Meditation.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. The Supremacy of Divine Love

The new commandment. John

13:34.

The Father's revelation of His love.

John 3:16; Eph. 2:4-7; Rom. 5:8.

The Holy Spirit's revelation of

God's love. Rom. 5:5.

III. Christ, the Supreme Revelation of

God's Love

Manifestation of God's love in

Christ. 1 John 4:9, 10.

The measure of Christ's love. John

15:9, 13.

The constancy of Christ's love. Rom.

8:35, 38, 39.

IV. Love in Action

Love washes us free from sin. Rev.

1:5.

Love embraces our enemies, the

hateful, and the spiteful. Matt.

5:44.

Christ reveals His love for His en-

emies. Luke 23:44.

V. The Law of Love

Love, the essence of the law. Matt.

22:37-40.

Christ's new commandment. John

13:34,35.

Christ in the heart enables us to

comprehend the love of God. Eph.

3:18, 19.

Love makes us God's sons and re-

stores us eventually to God's

image. 1 John 3:1, 2.

Key Words:

"Commandment."

The Greek word

translated

commandment

means "an injunc-

tion or precept." Literally it means "the

point aimed at, or the goal."

God's commands hang on love. The giv-

ing of His commands is born of love. We

join hands with God in love, and every

command becomes a promise of victory.

Disciple

is translated from a Greek

word meaning "learner." The English word

disciple

comes from a Latin word which

means "to learn." Real disciples always will

be learners. The one who thinks he has

[39

]

learned enough has never learned the most

important thing—that learning is more im-

portant than mere knowing.

3. "Example."

"Christ also suffered

for us, leaving us an example, that ye

should follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21. The

word

example

here is translated from a

Greek word meaning "a copy for imitation."

Christ is the personification of the written

word, and the one perfect "copy for imita-

tion."

4. Pray.

Several Greek words are

translated

pray;

but in: "Love your ene-

mies, . . . and pray for them which des-

pitefully use you" (Matt. 5:44), the word

pray

is translated from a word meaning

"pros" (motion toward) plus "wish," or

prayer. In this case it means that when we

pray for an enemy we are to wish him well

in prayer and move toward our wish. Prayer

has to do with action as well as with words.

To love a person is to pray for him.

THE LESSON

Introduction

Love is difficult to define, but it is easy to

recognize. Love is the most powerful force

in the universe. It brought the Son of God

from His throne in heaven to die for sinful

man. John 3:16. We think of death as be-

ing one of the enemies hardest to conquer,

yet love overcame even that. "Love is strong

as death." Song of Solomon 8:6.

Love can overcome great obstacles. Love

is the most powerful of motivating forces.

If we love God we have no difficulty in keep-

ing His commandments. See John 14:15;

15:10. If our commandment keeping is

from duty only, we will soon fall by the

way. Love is the only force that can keep

us in the way of commandment keeping.

God the Father and the Son have given us

love's supreme example. All of God's law

and authority hang on love. The Holy

Spirit makes that love real to us by His

presence in the heart.

The Supremacy of Divine Love

1. What new commandment did

Jesus give after the Lord's Supper,

and how much were the disciples to

love one another? John 13:34.

NOTE.—"To the disciples this command-

ment was new; for they had not loved one

another as Christ had loved them. He saw

that new ideas and impulses must control

them; that new principles must be practiced

by them; through His life and death they

were to receive a new conception of love.

The command to love one another had a

new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice.

The whole work of grace is one continual

service of love, of self-denying, self-sacri-

ficing effort. During every hour of Christ's

sojourn upon the earth, the love of God was

flowing from Him in irrepressible streams.

All who are imbued with His Spirit will

love as He loved. The very principle that

actuated Christ will actuate them in all their

dealing one with another."—The

Desire of

Ages,

pages 677, 678.

How did God the Father show

His love for men? John 3:16; Eph.

2:4-7; Rom. 5:8.

What does the Holy Spirit bring

to the heart of man? Rom. 5:5.

Christ, the Supreme Revelation

of God's Love

In what was the love of God

made manifest? 1 John 4:9, 10.

How much did Jesus love us,

and how did He demonstrate His

love? John 15:9, 13.

NOTE.—While the supreme example of Je-

sus' love was His death, yet there were vlany

AS WE PUT THE LAW

OF GOD

IN THE

FRAME OF LOVE, IT BECOMES FULL

AND

COMPLETE .

other ways in which He showed His love.

He served men, instructed them, fed them,

and He trusted them to be His witnesses.

What assurance is given the

Christian of the constancy of Christ's

love? Rom. 8:35, 38, 39.

Love in Action

What two things, in their or-

der, did Jesus do for us? Rev. 1:5.

NorE.—Jesus first loved us, and then

washed us. Love must precede service.

In what words did Jesus com-

mand us to love the unlovely, and

for whom did He say we should pray?

Matt. 5:44.

NOTE.—"Love and loyalty to Christ are

the spring of all true service. In the heart

touched by His love, there is begotten

desire to work for Him. Let this desire be

encouraged and rightly

guided."—Educa-

tion,

page 268.

We should be willing to serve one an-

other (John 13:5, 15) ; we ghould deal our

bread to the hungry (Isa. 58:7) ; and we

should instruct men and make of them dis-

ciples that they in turn may become wit-

nesses (Matt. 28:19, 20).

How did Jesus reveal' His love

for His enemies? Luke 23:34.

The Law of Love

10.

Upon what does the 'law of

God hang? Matt: 22:37-40.



NorE.—Not only does the law hang on

love, but love is the fulfilling of the ra

Rom. 13:10. The Holy GhOst writes the

law in the heart. 2 Cor. 3:3 ; Heb. 8:10:

This law, or the fulfilling 'Of that law b";

love, is put in the heart by the Holy GhOk.

Rom. 5:5. Thus we see that love—,the

filling of the law—is put in the heart througli

the Spirit's work.

11.

How shall men know that we

are Christ's disciples? John 13:35.

NorE.—"In the church of God today,

brotherly love is sadly lacking. Many who

profess to love the Saviour do not love one

another. Unbelievers are watching to see if

the faith of professed Christians is exerting

a sanctifying influence upon their lives; and

they are quick to discern the defects in

character, the inconsistencies in action. Let

Christians not make it possible for the en-

emy to point to them and say, Behold how

these people, standing under the banner of

Christ, hate one another. Christians are all

members of one family, all children of the

same heavenly Father, with the same

blessed hope of immortality. Very close

and tender should be the tie that binds them

together."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page

550.

12.

How fully are Christians priv-

ileged to comprehend the law of

love? Eph. 3:18, 19.

13.

Because of God's love, what

[411

are we called? Through that love

what will we be like when He ap-

pears? 1 John 3:1, 2.

NOTE.—"As John beholds the height, the

depth, and the breadth of the Father's

love toward our perishing race, he is filled

with admiration and reverence. He cannot

find suitable language to express this love,

but he calls upon the world to behold it:

`Behold, what manner of love the Father

hath bestowed upon us, that we should be

called the sons of God.' What a value this

places upon man ! Through transgression the

sons of men became subjects of Satan.

Through the infinite sacrifice of Christ, and

faith in His name, the sons of Adam become

the sons of God. By assuming human na-

ture, Christ elevates humanity. Fallen men

are granted another trial and are placed

where, through connection with Christ, they

may educate, improve, and elevate them-

selves, that they may indeed become worthy

of the name 'sons of God.'

"—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 563.

Suggestions for Meditation

"Love to God, zeal for His glory, was

the controlling power in our Saviour's life.

Love beautified and ennobled all His ac-

tions. Love is of God. The unconsecrated

heart cannot originate or 'produce it. It is

found only in the heart where Jesus reigns.

'We love, because He first loved us.' In the

heart renewed by divine grace, love is the

principle of action. It modifies the character,

governs the impulses, controls the passions,

subdues enmity, and ennobles the affections.

This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens

the life, and sheds a refining influence on all

around."—Steps to Christ,

page 64.

The ordinances of the Lord's house are

to impress the new commandment on our

hearts.

Lesson 13, for December 26, 1953

"That They All May Be One"

MEMORY VERSE: "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in

Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that

Thou hast sent Me." John 17:21.

STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 672, 673; "The Acts of the Apostles,"

pages 87-96.

AIM: To understand better the meaning of "oneness," and encourage this "one-

ness" in personal experience.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Sabbath afternoon: general survey



5. Questions 12-14.

of the lesson, based on outline.



6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 672,

Key Words; Introduction. Questions



673; "The Acts of the Apostles,"

1, 2.



pp. 87-96.

Questions 3-6; memorize John



7. Review entire lesson; think about

17:21.



Suggestions for Meditation.

Questions 7-11.

42]

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Close of Upper-Room Service

Jesus' closing words in the upper

room. Mark 14:25.

The parting hymn. Mark 14:26.

III. Christ's Prayer for His Church

His committal. John 17:1-3.

The objects of His prayer. John 17:

1, 9, 20.

Prayer for disciples to be kept from

the world. John 17:11, 12, 15.

Prayer for unity. John 17:21-23.

IV. Unity and Its Results

Christ glorified God by finishing His

work, and God glorifies Christ in

the lives of believers. John 17:4,

9-11.

Jesus expected the church to be

sanctified and unified by the word

of truth. John 17:17.

Union with Christ makes us chil-

dren, heirs, kings, priests, sons of

God. Rom. 8:16, 17; Rev. 1:6.

Union through Christ's love secures

us against separation and loss.

Rom. 8:38, 39.

V. Conclusion

The cup of the Lord and the cup of

devils. 1 Cor. 10:21.

Many members of one body.

Cor.

10:17; Eph. 5:30.

Forever with the Lord. John 17:24;

1 Thess. 4:16, 17.

Key Words:

1. Oneness

means not only oneness

with Christ, but the integration of one's

powers, mental, physical, moral, and emo-

tional. When we have achieved this one-

ness with Christ we will be at one with our

fellow men. Paul said, "What I would,

that do I not; but what I hate, that do I."

Rom. 7:15. When God made Paul "one,"

he said, "This one thing I do." Phil. 3:13.

"Sanctification"

is the making holy

of the whole being. Each day the old poW-

ers and the newly acquired skills are placed

on the altar of sanctification. Therefore

"sanctification is the work of a lifetime."-

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 65. Justifica-

tion can be had in a moment. Justification

deals with the clearing of the past. Sancti-

fication is progressive, for it has to do with

constant growth. One may be living a sanc-

tified life, but the sanctification is not com-

plete until the earthly life is finished:

"Truth"

is difficult to define. Cer-

tainly it is not static, but dynamic-it moves:

Truth is personified in Christ, who said:

„

am the way, the truth, and the life."

14:6. One does not have the truth until he

has Christ. Truth is stable, eternal, and

changeless; but the unfolding of it to us is

an eternal process. One should be careful

how he uses the expression "in the truth,"

for it means far more than merely subscrib-

ing to a system of doctrines. To have the

truth means that one is a disciple-a learner

forever and always.

"Kings and Priests."

Adam was

king and priest; but when he fell he lost'his

kingship. In Christ the priesthood and

kingship are reunited. Until men are again

"one" with God they are incapable of car-

rying kingship and priesthood. When men

become "one" with God, He .restores to

them what Adam lost, and they will then

become "kings and priests" with Him.

THE LESSON

Introduction

Oneness with God-the restoration of

God's image in man, the integration of man

into all the loving purposes of God, is the

real reason for giving to the disciples the

Lord's Supper. In fact, it is the reason for

Christ's whole life and death; for by mak-

ing men "one," God would be justified in

His purpose before all. See Rom. 3:4. The

prayer, "That they all may be one," is a

benediction to all the efforts of the Godhead

in behalf of man.

Close of the Upper-Room Service

1. What final declaration did Je-

sus make in the upper room? Mark

14:25.

[ 43 ]

What was the fitting conclusion

to the service in the upper room?

Mark 14:26.

NOTE. Smith's

Bible Dictionary,

under

"Passover," says that, at the time of the

Passover, Jesus and His disciples are sup-

posed to have sung Psalms 115 to 118. Ac-

cording to

The Desire of Ages,

page 672, Je-

sus and His disciples sang (at least) Psalm

117 after the Last,Supper. It is significant

that Jesus sang this particularly joyful

psalm when He was under such a burden.

Christ's Prayer for His Church

In His committal to His Father,

in what did Christ say eternal life

consists? John 17:1-3.

For whom especially did He

pray? John 17:9, 20.

From what did He pray that

His disciples should be protected?

John 17:11, 12, 15.

What experience especially did

He long to see in His followers? John

17:21-23.

NOTE.—"In

its last part the intercessory

prayer of the great High Priest bore on the

work of the disciples and its fruits. . . .

And in view of this, their work, to which

they were consecrated, did Christ pray not

for them alone, but also for those who,

through their word, would believe in Him,

'in order,' or 'that so,' all may be one'—

form a unity. Christ, as sent by the Father,

gathered out the original `unity;' they, as

sent by Him, and consecrated by His con-

secration, were to gather others, but all

were to form one great unity, through the

common spiritual communication. . . . 'I

THE CHURCH STANDS UN ED AGAINST

THE ENEMY AS EVERY MEMBER STANDS

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH HIS BROTHER.

in them, and Thou in Me, so that they may

be perfected into one'—the ideal unity and

real character of the church, this`so that

the world may know that Thou didst send

Me, and lovedst them as Thou lovedst Me.'"

—Alfred Edersheim,

The Life and Times of

Jesus the Messiah,

new American ed., vol.

2, p. 531.

Unity and Its Results

How had the Son and the

Father glorified each other? John

17:4, 9-11.

What had Christ done for His

disciples? John 17:6-8.

NoTE.—"The unity of the church is the

convincing evidence that God has sent Jesus

into the world as its Redeemer. This is an

argument which worldlings cannot contro-

vert. Therefore Satan is constantly working

to prevent this union and harmony, that

unbelievers, by witnessing backsliding, dis-

sension, and strife among professed Chris-

tians, may become disgusted with religion

and be confirmed in their impenitence."—'

Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 620.

To what glorious heights. did

Jesus expect the disciples to rise, and

how? John 17:17, 22-26.

[ 44 ]

NOTE.—Santtification and "oneness,"

"in

[probably a better translation than

through]

the truth." The Revised Standard Version,

Luther's translation (in German) put out

by the American Bible Society, and Alfred

Edersheim agree that John 17:17, 19 should

read "in . . .'truth" rather than "through

. . . truth." We are sanctified while we

are "in Christ"—the truth.

10.

Through being one with

Christ, what are ,we to become? Rev.

1:6; Rom. 8:16, 17; 1 John 3:1, 2.

11.

What, can separate us from

this glorious experience of oneness

with. God and His love? Rom. 8:38, 39.

NOTE.—"What a preparation these disci-

ples had received for the work before them 1

They had passed through the deepest trial

which it was possible for them to experience,

and had seen how, when to human vision all

was lost, the word of God had been tri-

umphantly accomplished. Henceforward

what could daunt their faith, or chill the

ardor of their love? In the keenest sorrow

they had 'strong consolation,' a hope which

was as 'an anchor of the soul, both sure and

steadfast.' They had been witness to the

wisdom and power of God, and they were

`persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor

angels, nor principalities,- nor powers, nor

things present, nor things to come, nor

height, nor depth, nor any other creature,'

would be able to separate them from 'the

love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our

Lord.'

"—The Great Controversy,

page 350.

Conclusion

12.

If we fail to partake of the

Lord's cup, of whose cup do we

drink? 1 Cor.

13.

In what words does Paul em-

phasize the oneness of those who par-

AIDS TO BETTER TEACHING

"The Lord has made ample provision that teachers may have

increased ability from Sabbath to Sabbath." "Counsels on Sab-

bath School Work," page 104.

"The true teacher .



constantly seeks higher attainments and

better methods. His life is one of continual growth."—Ibid., p. 103.

To this end the Sabbath School Department of the General

Conference conducts a Sabbath School Workers' Reading Course

each year. The book selected for the first half of next year is

"Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students," by Ellen G. White.

The careful reading of the selected portions from this book, to-

gether with the "Sabbath School Worker" articles, as indicated in

the section of the "Worker" giving the Reading Course assign-

ments, constitutes the Sabbath School Workers' Reading Course

for the first half of 1954. We strongly recommend this course to

every teacher. Order the book and the "Sabbath School Worker"

through your church missionary secretary.

General Conference Sabbath School Department.

[ 45 ]

take of the Lord's Supper worthily?

1 Cor. 10:17; Eph. 5:30.

14. For what did Christ pray con-

cerning Himself and His followers?

How and when will this part of the

prayer be fully answered? John 17:

24; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.

NoTE.—"The Communion service points

to Christ's second coming. It was designed

to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the

disciples. Whenever they met together to

commemorate His death, they recounted

how 'He took the cup, and gave thanks, and

gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

for this is My blood of the new testament,

which is shed for many for the remission of

sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink

henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until

that day when I drink it new with you in

My Father's kingdom.' In their tribulation

they found comfort in the hope

of their

Lord's return. Unspeakably precious to

them was the thought, 'As often as ye eat

this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show

the Lord's death till He come."—The

De-

sire of Ages,

page 659.

Suggestions for Meditation

By participating in the Lord's Supper

with understanding, we are to show forth

His love, His death, the exceeding riches of

His grace, His salvation, and our

oneness

with the Godhead. This is a mystery to the

wicked, and a marvel to all who live by the

power of the Godhead through eternity.

When we gather around the Lord's ta-

ble and find the "oneness" for which Christ

prayed, we will find ourselves with a will-

ingness to give of our time, our efforts, our

money, and our all to Him in thanksgiving.

[ 46 ]

LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1954

Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior

Lesson

Quarterly

for the first quarter of 1954 will be helped by the following

outline in studying the first lesson. They will thus be able to follow

the daily study of the lesson.

The general topic of the lessons is "Christian Life and Service."

The memory verse is

Peter 3



Lesson i for January

is entitled,

"God Is Fitting Men for His Eternal Kingdom." The texts to be

studied are:

Ques. 1. Matt. 6:33;

1 John 2:15, 17.

Ques. 2. Heb. 11:10, 14, 16;

Dan. 7:18, 22, 27.

Ques. 3. Isa. 65:17-19, 21, 22;

Rev. 21:1-4.

__Ques. 4. Matt. 5:3, 5; Ps. 24:3-5.

Ques. 5. Matt. 25:31-33.

Ques. 6. Ps. 15:1, 2; 9:17.

Ques. 7. Deut. 30:15, 19.

Ques. 8. 2 Cor. 13:5; Lam. 3:40.

Ques. 9. Ps. 14:2,3; Isa. 64:6.

Ques. 10. Isa. 45:22; 17:7;

Lam. 5:21.

Ques. 11. Job 22:21; John 17:3.

Ques. 12. 2 Peter 3:11-14.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

December 26, 1953—Australasian Division

Guadalcanal, New Britain, New Georgia, Port Moresby, Manus, Lae,

New Guinea—places that made news headlines during World War II—come

alive again as we listen to the mission stories this quarter, for the overflow

from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering that will be given on December 26

will go to the Australasian Division to help in building the Coral Sea Union

Mission College, where young people from many of these South Sea islands

may be trained to carry the gospel to their own people. Let us rally to the aid

of these young people who showed such a spirit of integrity and Christian

helpfulness during the war when they were cut off from mission help.

[ 47 ]

SUICA

IOUGAINVILL

•

CORAL SEA UNION MISSION

(AUSTRALASIAN

DIVISION)

tame

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EASTERN SOLOMONS

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SANTA ISASES

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106

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UNION MISSION

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CENTRAL PACIFIC

610.000

3.147

CORAL SEA

1.565.500

128

5.960

UNION CONFERENCE

TRANS-COMMONWEALTH

4,659,187

124

8,483

TRANS-TASMAN

5.911,105

163

13,571

DIVISION TOTALS

52.745,792

489

31,161

S.S. MESA

5,735

23.397

9.367 ,

13.978

52,477

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